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
Top 7 Water-Smart Landscaping Principles for Eco-Friendly Yards
Homeowners can slash their landscape water use by up to 50% just by switching to efficient irrigation, according to Extension Okstate .
May 15, 2026 · 6 min read
How to Design an Outdoor Kitchen: Budget and Layout
As of 2025, an outdoor kitchen project can range from a modest $6,000 to an expansive $30,000.
May 14, 2026 · 4 min read
What are sustainable landscaping principles for eco-friendly homes?
Residential sites in Santa Clara County can receive rebates valued up to $3,000 for converting to sustainable landscaping, according to Valley Water .
May 14, 2026 · 8 min read
Why Homeowners Are Shifting to Microgardening Over Traditional Lawns
By 2026, gardening is projected to transform into 'snack and micro-gardens' as homes and yards continue to shrink, according to the Orange County Register .
May 14, 2026 · 5 min read
What is the role and responsibilities of a home inspector in 2026?
To earn the highest certification from the American Society of Home Inspectors (ASHI), an inspector must first complete at least 250 fee-paid home inspections.
May 13, 2026 · 4 min read
Essential Gardening Tools for Beginner Backyard Gardens
Chatu Madhvani has used her Felco No 6 secateurs for over 15 years.
May 13, 2026 · 4 min read
What Do Home Inspectors Look For When Buying a House?
For a median cost of $475 to $575 on the Colorado Front Range, a home inspection can provide a buyer with a crucial 'out' from a problematic deal, potentially saving tens of thousands in future repair
May 12, 2026 · 3 min read
Summer outdoor spaces embrace organic backyard furniture trends
Wayfair slashes outdoor furniture prices by up to 82 percent, reports People .
May 11, 2026 · 3 min read
Summer Outdoor Spaces Embrace Organic Backyard Furniture Trends
Wayfair currently offers outdoor furniture discounts up to 82 percent, a significant markdown for the summer market, according to People .
May 10, 2026 · 3 min read
How to Identify and Avoid Invasive Plants at the Garden Center
The underground roots of common running bamboo can travel 20 feet or more from its original clump, making it nearly impossible to control once established, according to Epicgardening .
May 10, 2026 · 3 min read
Steve Martin's pool oasis inspires summer 2026 potted designs
By the peak of summer 2026, homeowners can transform their pool decks into vibrant oases, introducing bold pink and yellow blooms to rival celebrity-tier designs.
May 10, 2026 · 3 min read
What are sustainable gardening practices for homeowners?
Leaf mold, a simple byproduct of fallen leaves, can astonishingly hold up to 500% of its own weight in water, offering a powerful, natural solution for garden hydration.
May 8, 2026 · 6 min read
What Are Sustainable Landscaping Principles for Water and Pest Control?
While many gardeners assume native plants thrive on minimal water, some native species actually produced 26% more biomass with frequent, minor watering compared to infrequent, substantial watering, ac
May 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Common Gardening Mistakes and Their Hidden Risks
Disposing of cooked food scraps in your garden compost bin could be inviting a rat infestation directly to your backyard, warns an Irish expert cited by the Irish Mirror .
May 7, 2026 · 3 min read
Common Landscaping Mistakes to Avoid for a Polished Garden
Imagine ordering deep charcoal grey landscape rock for your dream garden, only for a pale grey stone to arrive that clashes with everything.
May 7, 2026 · 5 min read
Mulch Offers Gardeners Easy Low-Maintenance Landscaping
A full residential mulch installation, typically costing between $300 and $900, can dramatically cut down on weeding and watering, saving gardeners hundreds of hours annually.
May 6, 2026 · 3 min read
Economic climate impact on home remodeling: Home Depot cuts forecast
This year, 71% of homeowners postponed renovations due to economic uncertainty, a factor leading Home Depot to cut its financial forecast and trim its full-year outlook.
May 6, 2026 · 5 min read
What Are Japanese Garden Design Principles for Tranquility?
A recent study found that groups who walked in the woods for a brief period showed a 20 percent improvement on memory tests, according to Japanesegarden .
May 6, 2026 · 3 min read
Top 6 Best IKEA Outdoor Furniture & Decor Buys for Spring
IKEA's outdoor section boasts 56 different chair options, proving budget-friendly doesn't mean limited choice for your spring patio.
May 6, 2026 · 5 min read
What Are the Best Mulch Types for Your Landscaping Needs?
A single layer of green waste compost can significantly increase soil fertility in the top 10 cm depth, outperforming other mulches in improving soil physical characteristics, according to PMC .
May 5, 2026 · 8 min read