5 Rules to Live By If You Share Outdoor Space, Expert Shares

While you can decorate and enjoy your private backyard to your liking—or at least comply with HOA regulations—elements of a shared patio or lawn should be considered as a group, not as an individual homeowner.

“While some may not find this ideal, fostering a sense of community in these shared outdoor spaces can be a source of enjoyment,” says Joe Raboine, vice president of design at Oldcastle APG, Belgard’s parent company.

Here are some tips on how to make the most of shared spaces.

Create Some Privacy with shading structure

Privacy in shared spaces? Raboine says that can be achieved by installing shade structures that create barriers in open areas like pergolas, which are often customizable.

“You can also add landscaping elements to create privacy, such as taller shrubs or grass,” he says. “This has the benefit of having more greenery in your outdoor space.”

Building community with seating areas

Fun elements are key, says Raboine.

“Creating comfortable seating areas, such as fixed benches, is both attractive to the property and can help strengthen bonds between neighbors,” he explains.

If possible, a fire pit is a great way to enhance a central gathering space, Raboine adds.

Install security measures

If you belong to an HOA, security features may already be taken care of for common areas. But if not, you and your neighbors may want to consider additional elements like additional lighting and security cameras.

For an outdoor security project, Pat Ahern, CMO of Security Explorer, and his staff worked with a residential community whose common courtyards were off-limits after dark for safety reasons. They placed lights near seating areas and lined walkways with motion-sensor lights.

“Not only does it deter troublemakers, it also creates a warm, welcoming atmosphere, encouraging more residents to spend their evenings in the area,” Ahern said.

The company also set up a shared security camera system, which he said helps residents feel more comfortable in shared spaces.

Make space for games and activities

Backyard games are always more fun when there are a lot of people around. Raboine suggests setting aside a spot for a chess board, a game of cornhole toss, or even a movie projector for watching movies under the stars.

Install railings for safety and separation

Another good way to make shared spaces more usable is to create areas that aren’t completely enclosed. Raboine recommends installing railings that allow for separation from some open spaces.

“There are many options available today, from standard metal railings to cable railings that make areas less isolated,” he said, adding that railings are an added safety measure.

Etiquette Tips for Outdoor Spaces

Designing an outdoor community space is one thing, but living peacefully in it is another.

Hilary Reiter Azzaretti’s Park City, Utah home has a private backyard that leads to an unfenced lawn shared with neighbors.

“We and our neighbors enjoy dining there, so there’s definitely some overlap and sharing involved,” she says. Here are some of her top tips for being nice to neighbors:

• A greeting does not necessarily lead to conversation. By all means, be friendly, but don’t intrude on other people’s free time. “We always say hello, but we don’t intrude unless both parties seem interested in chatting,” says Azzaretti.
• Make sure the dogs get along. Azzaretti and her dog had an ugly encounter with a neighbor’s off-leash dog. In addition to the owners following local dog leash laws, it helps to know that everyone’s fur babies are getting along before they all go out to play.
• Let’s keep in touch. When Azzaretti planned a July 4 barbecue, she invited both of her next-door neighbors. “It’s another nice way to share a common space instead of taking it over for your own use,” she said.