5 Top Stylish Backyard Upgrades to Prepare for Housesitters

If you are trying to attract new housesitters to help care for your home and pets, consider making some backyard upgrades and sharing them in your profile photos. These garden improvements can be a way to refresh your property and attract housesitters with your property photos. Read on to learn more.

Prepare for Housesitters: 5 Stylish Backyard Upgrades

a new garden gate could be one of the backyard upgrades — A new garden gate could be one of your backyard upgrades

Image credit: Peter Mason

The average age of housesitters in the US is 40+ (around 52% of the housesitter population passes this mark). So, a chilled coffee and a book in the backyard is more appealing than having a pub down the road (sure, this is a big generalization, but we think it’s pretty accurate).

Your backyard can be one of the keys to finding the best housesitters; plus, it’s an extension of your home, and like any other part of the house, it deserves a bit of thought. You don’t need to be a pro or spend up big to make a big impact. Keep reading and we’ll prove it with these five backyard upgrades.

Ensure a bit of shade and keep the rain off

Shelter. It’s important. You don’t want to go overboard and defeat the point of having an outdoor space altogether, but you do need something to offer protection from the elements. A wooden pavilion is a stylish way to make sure your yard is usable, no matter what’s going on with the sky.

Housesitters will appreciate having a spot to relax outdoors, and a pavilion in natural wood brings a cozy and sophisticated feel to the space. Things get even better when you pair it with some greenery. This is the kind of structure that makes your outdoor area feel like an extension of your home and can even boost your property’s value. There isn’t really a reason not to add one!

Transform the space with classic backyard upgrades

Sometimes, we don’t think about this word until we hear or read it, so here it is – hammock. That’s right, the ultimate symbol of relaxation! You’ve probably always thought about getting one; take this as your sign to follow through. You don’t need a ton of space to make it work. Just find a shady spot in your yard under a tree or next to your new wooden pavilion, and you (and your house sitters) can get lost in a novel or take an afternoon nap in the fresh air.

In keeping with the hammock vibe, macrame swings are another boho-tinged backyard addition that create a space for lounging. And yes, it’s all very Instagram-worthy with your other backyard upgrades.

If you’re feeling nostalgic, go with a classic tree swing. Obviously, they are great for kids, but they also bring a lot of character to your backyard. Just make sure you choose a big, strong branch to support the swing. It’s a throwback, but it’ll make everyone that sees it smile!

Zoning for a multifunctional space

natural pool installations in a garden pond — You might want to create a natural swimming pool in your garden

Photo by Lamia Walker

Not all housesitters will be gardening experts, but you can make things a little easier to manage while boosting the aesthetics with zoning. Essentially, the goal is to visually separate the areas of your home, no matter the size of your yard.

You can use natural separators like plants, shrubs, and trees to act as subtle barriers between zones. Mix height, like fruit trees, with low shrubs to divide areas and create a sense of layering. Decking is another great tool for zoning and different materials or, once again, levels can make it clear where one section ends and another begins.

Pro tip: Make the most of every corner of your backyard, plan a well-organized layout, and create an intentional look!

One of the key backyard upgrades – Flooring

A soft, green lawn is the outdoor version of carpet. It’s a lot of work – growing and maintaining a healthy lawn takes effort – but the payoff is visually and practically worth it. Lay down on the lawn on a sunny day, and you’ll know what we are talking about. Lawns require plenty of sunlight, good drainage, and sufficient water, especially in the early stages.

If your yard doesn’t get enough sun, or the idea of the extra work is unappealing (which is fair), turf alternatives like zoysia tenuifolia offer a type of grass that doesn’t need mowing. These plants can be planted between pavers or stepping stones, softening hard surfaces while adding a bit of greenery.

Speaking of hard surfaces, you can ditch the idea of a lawn and opt for pavers as another option for your backyard upgrades. We like the idea of a ‘seventies beach house’ meets modern Hamptons vibe with their irregular shapes, pairing pavers with lush ground to create a truly lovely visual and tactile contrast.

Consider some fun backyard upgrades

new garden furniture as some of your fun backyard upgrades — Consider some fun outdoor furniture for your backyard upgrades

Photo by Engin Akyurt

This one isn’t for everybody, but those with the space and want of a unique twist in the backyard, why not consider a skate ramp? It’s the perfect way to dial up the fun, especially if you’ve got kids (or are just a big kid at heart). A custom-built mini ramp can be a DIY project or handled by professionals, but it gives your backyard a cool, active vibe and is a great conversation piece for when house sitters or guests drop by!

Find the perfect house sitter today – Make those backyard upgrades

A quick scan of our listings will reveal a stack of great sitters ready to care for your pets and property. Reach out to a few you like the look of and request a connection. You can create your own list to keep on speed dial via Housesit Match and forever be able to travel with peace of mind!