It may seem like a small detail, but the size of your backyard is an essential factor in your home’s overall value and enjoyment. Not only does it factor into your home’s curb appeal, but it’s also an excellent place for entertaining and can even be used to increase the value of your home over time. In this blog post, we will discuss why the size of American backyards matters and how you can maximize their potential.
The Trend Towards Smaller Yards
In the 1950s and 1960s, many Americans had larger yards simply because there wasn’t as much competition for space. As urbanization increased and more people moved into cities and suburbs, however, the demand for land increased. This led to developers buying up large swaths of land and carving them into smaller lots with smaller yards.
In addition to this trend towards smaller yards, there’s also a cultural shift happening. Many people no longer want large yards because they don’t have enough time or resources to maintain them properly. Instead, they opt for smaller yards that are easier to care for or even no yard (balconies or patios). This allows them to enjoy their outdoor space without worrying about mowing lawns or dealing with weeds and pests. However, the national average is still larger than ever because huge states like Alaska have many open spaces.
The National Average
When looking at averages across America, most backyards fall somewhere between 0.25 to 2 acres in size. However, according to a survey conducted by HomeLight, the average backyard size across America is 1/3 acre or 14,520 square feet. This is roughly equal to one-and-a-half football fields in size! While these figures are interesting, they don’t explain why backyard size matters.
The Benefits of Having a Large Backyard
Having an enormous backyard means more space for outdoor activities. Here are the many benefits of having a large backyard.
Entertaining Guests
Having a lot of space in your backyard can make it much easier to entertain guests. Depending on how you set up the space, you could have plenty of room for an outdoor dining area, a seating area with a fire pit, or even an outdoor bar. But don’t forget to put some rustic wooden furniture in your backyard. These pieces of furniture can make your backyard look more attractive! It can also add a lot of value to it, so invest in them today.
Gardening & Growing Your Food
Why not consider gardening if you’re looking to get creative outdoors? Gardens can provide beauty and life to any outdoor area while providing practical benefits such as fresh fruits and vegetables for you and your family. The average family in the country spends nearly $300 on groceries weekly, but having a garden can definitely reduce that amount.
Additionally, with enough space in your backyard, you could even plant trees or shrubs that will provide shade during hot summer days or color throughout the year. Gardening is also a great exercise as it requires bending over and digging in the dirt, which helps burn calories while getting some fresh air simultaneously!
Creating a Relaxing Oasis
A large enough backyard allows you to create an oasis away from all the hustle and bustle of life. For example, you could put in relaxing water features such as ponds or fountains that attract birds while providing soothing sounds that help relax both body and mind. Or, if water features aren’t quite what you’re looking for, consider adding hammocks or swings so that everyone can kick back and relax in nature without ever leaving home. The possibilities are endless for creating a relaxing oasis within your backyard!
Maximizing Your Backyard Potential
No matter what size your yard is, there are always ways you can maximize its potential without breaking the bank. Investing in low-maintenance landscaping such as mulch beds and hardscaping features like fire pits or retaining walls can create an enjoyable outdoor area for entertaining friends and family or relaxing outdoors on warm summer days. You may also want to consider adding bird baths or bird feeders to attract birds, bringing life and beauty into any outdoor area!
Having a larger backyard has its benefits—but even if you don’t have much space outside your home, there are still ways you can make it work for you! With thoughtful planning and creative solutions, you can create an outdoor oasis perfect for entertaining guests or just enjoying peace while soaking up some sun on summer days. No matter what size your yard is—big or small—you can still make the most out of it!
