Mason Clarke
Outdoor & Real Estate Writer
As the Outdoor & Real Estate Writer for HomeStyle & Beyond, Mason Clarke covers everything from property development and real estate trends to landscaping and gardening. He is dedicated to exploring sustainable living and home improvement, offering readers practical advice for both buying a home and designing outdoor spaces. Through his writing, Mason aims to provide actionable insights that help readers elevate their everyday living and create beautiful, functional environments.
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Latest Articles
12 Best Low Maintenance Drought Tolerant Plants for Any Climate
A single drought-tolerant garden can save thousands of gallons of water annually, transforming a high-maintenance chore into an environmental contribution.
Aug 12, 2026 · 5 min read
Landscape Designers' Priorities in Yard Design
A professional landscape design service doesn't just pick plants; it evaluates an entire property to create a plan that effectively utilizes every single area, according to Vandjlandscape .
Aug 11, 2026 · 5 min read
What Is a Property Deed and How Does It Work?
In all 50 states, your property deed stands as the sole legal proof of home ownership.
Aug 11, 2026 · 4 min read
Homeowners: Adopt Climate Resilient Gardening for Drought
In Fort Collins, July was just recorded as the warmest month in the city's history, according to The Coloradoan .
Aug 10, 2026 · 2 min read
Outdoor patio furniture: Earthy tones and mixed materials trend
Major retailers like Lowe's and Home Depot are slashing prices by up to 60% on outdoor patio furniture, according to People .
Aug 10, 2026 · 3 min read
Sustainable real estate development must balance growth and environment now.
In the Philippines, Southlinks Estate dedicates 80% of its road network to cycling lanes, alongside systems designed to cut energy and water use by half.
Aug 9, 2026 · 3 min read
How Does the 3-Hour Gardening Rule Help During Peak Summer Heat?
A recent university study showed that plants exposed to direct midday summer sun for over 30 minutes experienced irreversible cellular damage, according to Springer Nature .
Aug 8, 2026 · 4 min read
Wildfire Landscapes Need Design Overhaul to Save Homes
Over 4.5 million homes in the U.S. currently face a high or extreme risk of wildfire, yet many remain dangerously unprepared, often due to a few hundred dollars in overlooked preventative measures. Da
Aug 8, 2026 · 3 min read
What Home Warranties Don't Cover: A Buyer's Guide
Despite an average monthly fee of $73, many home warranty plans cap critical system repairs, like AC refrigerant, at just $10 per pound, leaving homeowners to pay hundreds more out of pocket.
Aug 8, 2026 · 4 min read
How to Create a Resilient Low-Maintenance Home Garden
In 2016, 86% of landscape architects rated native plants as an expected popular residential outdoor design element, according to Dyck Arboretum .
Aug 7, 2026 · 4 min read
Why Homeowners Are Investing More in Backyards
In 2026, 72% of homeowners plan to invest more in their backyard than their living room, according to the Home & Garden Survey 2025.
Aug 7, 2026 · 4 min read
What Are Smart Irrigation Systems and Why Do They Matter?
A proposed smart irrigation system can precisely control watering rates from 60% to 90% of field capacity, according to Nature .
Aug 6, 2026 · 3 min read
What Smart Home Tech is Best for Your Outdoor Space in 2026?
Imagine watching a baby bird hatch live on your phone, thanks to a solar-powered camera built into a smart birdhouse.
Aug 6, 2026 · 3 min read
Designers embrace layered planting for 2026 outdoor shaded healing gardens
Homeowners now achieve deep garden seclusion and natural cooling not with towering fences, but through artful combinations of drought-tolerant plants and subtle screening panels.
Aug 5, 2026 · 2 min read
How to Create a Garden Cooling Oasis With Plants and Shade
Simply adding turf to an outdoor space can slash surface temperatures by up to 10 °C, transforming scorching patios into comfortable havens.
Aug 4, 2026 · 3 min read
CMU Cuts Campus Watering 20% with Sustainable Landscaping
Colorado Mesa University slashed campus watering by 20%, replacing just under one acre of grass with water-efficient landscaping.
Aug 3, 2026 · 3 min read
Top 10 Best Smart Home Devices for Outdoor Use
The Eufy Floodlight Camera E340 illuminates entire yards with up to 2,000 lumens while recording with two HD cameras, but this powerful setup requires hardwiring, according to The New York Times .
Aug 3, 2026 · 5 min read
What is the 2026 Home Appraisal Process and Its Key Factors?
For a standard home, the entire on-site appraisal inspection often wraps up in just 30 minutes, yet its outcome can make or break a multi-hundred-thousand-dollar deal.
Aug 2, 2026 · 4 min read
How Are Property Taxes Assessed and Appealed?
To overturn a property tax assessment, a taxpayer must prove by a "clear preponderance of the evidence" that the taxing authority committed "manifest error" or "totally disregarded controlling
Aug 2, 2026 · 3 min read
Property Easements: What They Are and Why Owners Need to Know
A utility line's right-of-way, often perceived as a minor detail, can unexpectedly block a homeowner's dream expansion or slash a property's resale value by thousands.
Aug 1, 2026 · 5 min read