The #1 Project Homeowners Want to Tackle This Summer, According to Thumbtack

Summer snuck up on us, and you’re currently wondering why somehow, all of your landscaping is brown or struggling, you’re not alone.

It’s the year of landscaping, and we have data to prove it, thanks to Thumbtack.

They deemed 2024 as the “year of the backyard,” reflecting the booming interest homeowners have in elevating their outdoor spaces. According to a recent survey of over 1,000 homeowners, the majority—a whopping 62 percent—plan to tackle a landscaping project this summer, making it the number one project of the season.

Part of that is certainly an attempt to boost curb appeal, but it’s also about investing in your own experience in your home. We dove into the survey to find out how you can effectively and cost-efficiently upgrade your landscaping this summer.

Why Landscaping Is of Utmost Importance This Year

Thumbtack’s survey asked homeowners how they plan to make their yards the best they’ve ever been this year. The data is shocking—nearly a third of respondents said they plan to spend up to $5,000 to improve their outdoor spaces this year.

But, just because some homeowners want to upgrade their yards for thousands of dollars doesn’t mean you have to. In fact, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to give your yard a facelift, from planting flowers in window boxes to creating some DIY yard art.

The impact of having a usable and enjoyable outdoor space is huge. Outdoor spaces bring happiness to 82 percent of respondents, 28 percent of respondents prioritize sustainable design, and 40 percent grow fruits and vegetables.

Pets Are More Important Than Ever

One of the biggest variables homeowners consider while attempting to create and landscape their dream yard is their four-legged friends.

Nearly 40 percent of respondents said their dream yard would have a fenced-in space for pets, and dogs were the top consideration for designing space for 43 percent of respondents.

If you’re looking to upgrade your yard to better suit a pup, you’ll want to consider what kind of grass you want to plant. Of course, you’ll need to consider your yard’s climate, pH level, and rainfall, but some of the best grass options for dogs are Fescue, Kentucky Bluegrass, and Perennial Ryegrass.

Is the Grass Greener on Your Neighbor’s Lawn?

Plenty of homeowners are feeling confused, stuck, or envious about their yards, too. About a fourth of respondents think their neighbors are better at maintaining their yards than they are, and 24 percent said they’re embarrassed about the state of the yard. 21 percent of respondents say they don’t host because their yard isn’t what they want it to be.

Don’t let envy stop you from getting started, though. The survey also found that having a well-maintained lawn is important to all homeowners, and the “biggest faux pas is unmaintained or overgrown lawns.”

How to Improve Your Landscaping in a Snap

There are loads of ways to be more sustainable in your gardening and landscaping—and everything counts.

The best way to ensure your yard is pulling its sustainable weight is by prioritizing native plants, which give homes to pollinators, feed local wildlife, and fight water runoff. You can also switch to more natural materials, like natural mulch, and reduce your use of chemical additives. 

No matter how you decide to upgrade your outdoor space this summer, know you’re not alone. The vast majority of homeowners are in the same boat as you, and we’re all finding the best ways to secure the yard of our dreams with each of our own unique priorities.