Mason Clarke
Outdoor & Real Estate Writer
Mason Clarke is HomeStyle & Beyond's Outdoor & Real Estate Writer. Prior to joining the team, Mason worked as a real estate agent and property developer, giving him unique insight into the housing market. He also ran a successful landscaping business for several years, fostering his love for outdoor design. Mason is passionate about helping readers find their dream home and create beautiful, functional outdoor spaces.
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Latest Articles
How to Create a Pollinator-Friendly Garden Step-by-Step
A single patch of well-chosen native plants, a few flat stones, and a shallow water dish can transform your backyard into a bustling sanctuary for declining bee and butterfly populations.
Jul 7, 2026 · 4 min read
Backyard Trends 2026: Amenity-Rich Outdoor Living Costs Soar
In Los Angeles, a basic patio refresh in 2026 typically costs homeowners at least $15,000, while complete backyard transformations can easily exceed $300,000, according to My Heart Construction .
Jul 7, 2026 · 4 min read
Top 12 Budget-Friendly Outdoor Space Revitalization Strategies
A modern 4-piece outdoor patio furniture sofa and accent chair set, originally priced at $1,556, is currently on sale for $857, a 45% discount, according to Walker Edison .
Jul 6, 2026 · 5 min read
How Does the Home Appraisal Process Work for Buyers and Sellers?
A home appraisal, often seen as a mere formality, can derail a sale or save a buyer thousands.
Jul 6, 2026 · 4 min read
Traditional landscaping trends face decline as sustainable alternatives rise.
By 2026, the traditional landscaping market, valued at $105 billion in 2023, is projected to begin shrinking by 8% annually.
Jul 6, 2026 · 4 min read
How Natural Landscaping Benefits Reduce Weeding and Mowing
Running a gas-powered lawn mower for just one hour generates as much air pollution as driving a car for 100 miles.
Jul 5, 2026 · 5 min read
Sustainable Gardens Ascend: Top Landscaping Trends for 2026
Searches for 'drought-tolerant landscaping' surged by 150% in 2023-2024, marking a dramatic shift in homeowner priorities, according to Google Trends Data.
Jul 5, 2026 · 4 min read
California's Zone Zero Mandates Ignite Debate Over Garden Design vs. Safety
In wildfire-prone Sonoma County, homeowners are spending upwards of $10,000 to remove existing plantings and redesign their outdoor spaces.
Jul 4, 2026 · 4 min read
Essential Garden and Lawn Tools for Budget-Savvy Maintenance
Roger Davis has used the same pair of Felco 2 pruners for 27 years, a testament to how a single quality tool can outlast decades of garden tasks, according to The New York Times .
Jul 3, 2026 · 6 min read
Top 5 Drought-Tolerant Plants for Water-Wise Gardens
In 2022, Utah’s Division of Water Resources launched a landscape incentive program, offering homeowners rebates to replace turf lawns with water-wise alternatives.
Jul 3, 2026 · 5 min read
Buyer's vs Seller's Market: Impact on Home Valuation
In March, the typical home listing spent 57 days on the market—four days longer than a year ago—according to Realtor .
Jul 2, 2026 · 4 min read
Low Maintenance Landscaping Plants for Your Backyard Oasis
In a stunning transformation, Donna and Caitlin Whelan, a mother-daughter design team, ripped out non-native grass and concrete from a backyard, replacing them with drought-tolerant plants and a Palo
Jul 1, 2026 · 4 min read
The problems with grass lawns and benefits of reducing them
Children in homes with common lawn pesticide use were 6.
Jul 1, 2026 · 3 min read
Pollinator Gardens: Why Your 'Good Intentions' Aren't Enough for Real Impact
Over 1 million pollinator gardens now dot the American landscape, yet the specific impact of these well-intentioned efforts on biodiversity and community well-being remains largely unmeasured.
Jun 30, 2026 · 4 min read
Backyard Discovery Fusion Flame Kitchen Hits $6,999 Sale Price
For just $6,999, the Backyard Discovery Fusion Flame outdoor kitchen delivers a built-in pizza oven, wine cooler, rotisserie, and a 6-burner grill, challenging the notion that luxury outdoor living mu
Jun 29, 2026 · 2 min read
Top 11 Porch and Patio Design Trends for Your Outdoor Oasis in 2026
Despite the allure of low-maintenance native plant gardens, many homeowners unknowingly set themselves up for thousands in future repairs by prioritizing only the cheapest upfront design options.
Jun 27, 2026 · 7 min read
Mexican families share life lessons during post-meal sobremesa chats
During a recent lunch with friends Erik and Jesica, I lingered at the table from 2 p.
Jun 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Score Top Travel Items on Prime Day 2026
For as little as $5, travelers can snag essential gear like Apple AirTags or Samsonite bags during Amazon Prime Day.
Jun 26, 2026 · 2 min read
Amazon Prime Day patio set deal slashed to $76
This Amazon patio set, usually $249.
Jun 25, 2026 · 3 min read
Top Low-Maintenance Native Plants for Eco-Friendly Backyards
Imagine a garden that resists freezing, drought, and disease, requiring less frequent watering, all while attracting local wildlife.
Jun 25, 2026 · 5 min read