Homeowners Cherish Their Yards More Since Pandemic

Family yard space is important to most homeowners.

Especially after the pandemic shifted our daily lifestyles, homeowners began to really appreciate having their own outdoor space. According to a recent survey from TurfMutt, 76% of homeowners said their family yard space is one of the most important parts of their home. Twenty-four percent of respondents reported using their yard more over the past two years of the pandemic and 63% said they have liked doing more activities outside since the start of the pandemic. Generation X, millennials and Generation Z were more likely than baby boomers and the silent generation (68% compared to 52%) to report using their yards more, as were parents of children under 18 who were more likely than those without children under 18 (73% compared to 58%).

With more people working remotely full-time or part-time, 58% of respondents with a yard reported utilizing it to work from home outside, especially men (63% compared to 53% of women). Parents of kids under 18 were more likely to use it to work compared to their peers without children under 18 at home (71% compared to 52%). Aside from working their jobs outside, 69% of those with a yard using yardwork to destress. Whether it’s mowing the lawn, trimming the trees or planting fresh flowers, more than two-thirds use it as a way to decompress.

In 2022, 84% of respondents said they plan to invest in their yard, with 67% committing to purchasing things to plant, 39% planning to purchase items to update or maintain their grassy areas and 23% reporting they will update hardscaping. One-third plan to hire a professional to spruce up their lawn, 19% are planning to install a fence, 15% are planning to install a shed and 10% are adding a swimming pool.

While the majority of homeowners are happy with their yard, most homeowners (72%) said they would prioritize a big yard if they were in the market for a new home.