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By Debbi Mayster | Contributor
The housing market experiences fluctuations, and home renovations have reached unprecedented levels in recent years. As more people work, relax, and enjoy leisure time at home, a growing number of homeowners are opting to renovate rather than relocate in pursuit of their ideal living spaces. What about extending these improvements to the backyard?
A recent survey commissioned by the TurfMutt Foundation and conducted by The Harris Poll reveals that over three-quarters of Americans with a yard (76 percent) consider their outdoor space one of the most vital aspects of their homes. Thus, it’s no surprise that family backyards are being treated with the same level of importance as the interiors.
“Enhancements to your backyard can increase your home’s value if you decide to sell it in the future, but we believe it’s also essential to make modifications that elevate your enjoyment of the yard right now,” states Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for appreciating and utilizing the green areas around us, including personal backyards and community parks.
He adds, “We’re really enjoying our newly updated backyard, as it has allowed us to bring some of our indoor living to the outdoors. It feels like we’ve essentially expanded our home by using the outdoor space more efficiently.”
Perhaps you’ve already completed several indoor projects, such as refreshing paint, installing new flooring, or upgrading appliances and furnishings. But how can you enhance your backyard to make this “outdoor living room” more functional for your family while simultaneously giving your home a fresh feel?
Here are seven recommendations from the TurfMutt Foundation for transforming home renovations into outdoor enhancements:
Transform your indoor flooring = Revitalize the yard and enhance your turfgrass.
The grass acts as the base of your outdoor living space. Improve existing turfgrass through overseeding or aerating, or opt for new sod. Clear out flower beds, remove debris, and build the rest of your outdoor features from a clean slate. Remember, outdoor power tools like mowers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers can simplify even the heftiest groundwork.
Repaint your interiors = Plant flowers to attract and nurture local wildlife.
Just as a fresh coat of paint revamps a room, planting flowers can breathe new life into your yard. Opt for native plants that flourish in your climate (they’re eco-friendly and require less maintenance). Choosing native perennials means you’ll plant once and enjoy their beauty for years. Additionally, pollinators and wildlife will benefit from these plants as they provide habitats and food.
Upgrade household appliances = Refresh your collection of outdoor power tools.
Selecting the appropriate tools for your lawn’s size and type enhances yard maintenance. The good news is that there are many options to meet varying needs. Consider robotic mowers comparable to a Roomba for lawns, or lightweight, powerful battery-operated leaf blowers. For larger lawns, you might benefit from a zero-turn mower or even a UTV.
Replace indoor furniture = Designate valuable spaces outdoors.
Enjoying the outdoors is all about connecting with nature and others. Reflect on your lifestyle needs, and purchase outdoor furniture that creates spaces conducive to family activities. Consider items like a picnic table for study sessions, an outdoor sectional for socializing, a hammock to relax in, or even an outdoor office to improve your work-life balance.
Kitchen remodel = Create an outdoor kitchen.
When adding an outdoor kitchen, the possibilities are endless. You can design a complete setup with a sink, refrigerator, and a built-in grill and cooktop, or opt for simplicity with a beverage cart or cooler while investing in a quality grill.
Home expansion = Develop a true outdoor living area.
Go all out by constructing a deck, hardscaped space, or screened-in porch if your budget and time allow; or simply optimize your existing yard. Create a soccer field or croquet area on a flat grassy section. Consider adding a fire pit and using string lights in trees to enjoy your space year-round. For sunny summer days, a pergola adorned with colorful, butterfly-attracting vines could be perfect.
Indoor game room = Create activity zones outside.
Transform your backyard into a community gathering hub by establishing activity zones that entertain the whole family. Games such as cornhole, soccer, bocce ball, or even a large checkers board can help manage kids’ screen time. Consider a patio or deck for family game nights, or go big with a swimming pool to make your yard the go-to spot for kids and their friends. Involving your family in the planning process can be rewarding, and using shrubs and hedges can effectively define various activity zones in your yard.
Download the International Backyarding Fact Book to discover why spending time in our yards and community parks benefits both us and the planet.
About TurfMutt
TurfMutt was established by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute’s (OPEI) TurfMutt Foundation and has engaged over 70 million children, educators, and families since 2009. Through partnerships with educational organizations such as Weekly Reader, Discovery Education, and Scholastic, TurfMutt teaches students and teachers how to “save the planet, one yard at a time.” Today, TurfMutt is an official USGBC Education Partner and part of its global LEARNING LAB. TurfMutt has served as an educational resource for the U.S. Department of Education’s Green Ribbon Schools, the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Green Apple, the Center for Green Schools, the Outdoors Alliance for Kids, and the National Energy Education Development project, among others. The TurfMutt animated video series won the 2017 Cynopsis Kids Imagination Award for Best Interstitial Series, and TurfMutt’s home habitat has been featured in the Wildlife Habitat Council calendars from 2017-2020. More information can be found at www.TurfMutt.com.
