Americans agree–a well-planned yard is one of the most important features of their homes
After being restricted indoors for so long, Americans have realized just how important their outdoor spaces and fresh air really are. More than three-quarters of Americans who have a yard (76%) say outdoor space is one of the most valuable parts of their home, according to a new poll commissioned by the TurfMutt Foundation and conducted online by The Harris Poll. An additional 72% of Americans say a spacious yard would be at the top of their wish list if they were looking for a new home. This phenomenon was sparked by two things, a pandemic which kept people from traveling and a burgeoning\ outdoor product industry that boomed as a result. Even with restrictions travel and work restrictions at bay, nearly a quarter of Americans who have a yard (24%) are spending more time there now than before the COVID-19 pandemic. Roughly 63% say they have enjoyed doing more activities in their yard since the pandemic began as well.
It seems Americans have rediscovered their backyards and they like what they see. Homeowners are redesigning their yards to create a haven of peace and tranquility, fun and entertainment, relaxation and harmony. Mini-resorts are in, and so is using the backyard for daily activities like dining, working, relaxing and watching TV.
Take a look at a few other outdoor facts that indicate yards will get lots of attention in 2023:
- Americans have become accustomed to using their outdoor space as makeshift offices, and with many continuing to work remotely from home, this trend may become permanent. Nearly 2 in 5 Americans who have a yard say they spent time doing work for their job there during the pandemic.
- More than two-thirds of Americans who have a yard agree that yard work, such as mowing, trimming, or planting, reduces stress in their life and ultimately makes them more productive.
- A vast majority of Americans who have a yard (84%) plan to make an invest in the space in the coming year, including 67% who say they will purchase plants, 39% who report they will purchase items to maintain or improve their grassy areas, and 23% who say they will install or update hardscaping themselves.
- About one-third of homeowners with a yard anticipate hiring a professional to do landscaping or hardscaping in 2023. Yard improvements high on the wish list include installing a fence or a shed and adding a swimming pool.
