ADU Landscaping: Functional Outdoor Space Organization

There are countless methodological materials and guides on the organization of the functional and technical components of your new ADU. However, one side constantly remains in the shadows, namely, the consideration of landscape design on the territory of the accessory dwelling unit. This is a very important question that will determine whether ADU will have a unique landscape, share it with the primary home, and how much it will stand out from your neighbors.

Today we will explore this topic together with you in as much detail as possible, analyze the key stages of the landscape ADU planning process, the factors that influence the creation of good landscape design, as well as the reasons for hiring a highly qualified landscape designer.

ADU Landscape Design: Planning Strategy

If you have interacted with architects, then you know how responsibly they approach the design of each square footage, take into account the smallest details that affect the functional part and think about ways to use the living space in advance. In the issue of developing a new design for the ADU landscape, we should take into account a number of key factors.

ADU drainage reliability

Most of the ADU landscaping ideas have a very close relation to water in one way or another, whether it’s an outdoor space with a pool, a garden space with flower beds, or a small improvised waterfall between two structures. In addition, no one canceled the descent of water from the ADU roof during heavy rainfall. All this leads us to the fact that before a landscape designer appears on your site and begins to create magic, it is necessary to conduct several tests to make an unambiguous conclusion that you have safe drainage and that all the water will not linger on the site.

ADU landscape privacy concerns

Another global issue is whether you pick open or private outdoor space. On the one hand, it’s cool to feel a welcoming atmosphere, to receive laudatory reviews from neighbors and views from passers-by, and to live with feelings of openness to the world. On the other hand, it is extremely unpleasant to witness a situation where some stranger comes to your porch or peeks out the window. The most profitable option in this case is to adhere to the concept of private outdoor space with the possibility of its transformation into an open one if suddenly guests come to you.

City Climate

Many homeowners are so passionate about creating an outdoor living room with the opportunity to spend most of their time outdoors that sometimes they forget about such a focal point as the climate. It is necessary to take this aspect into account; for example, if it rains, hurricanes and hail often in your area, then it is important to create sure drainage; if the air temperature becomes incandescent, then it is necessary to have a comfortable and cool shelter back porch or patio; if you live in an ultra-humid climate, then you cannot do without installing air circulation systems.

Plant care

Plants are an integral part of the ADU landscape. They can fulfill a purely aesthetic mission or be functional, e.g., green barriers, if you want to feel a private atmosphere. Along with this, it is critically important to identify ways to care for plants to prevent a situation where some of them will begin to die due to the harsh climate or lack of care. We recommend paying close attention to the possibility of equipping garden space with a smart planting system, in particular, with flower beds that inform the property owner about the need for watering.

ADU landscaping functionality

Green gardens, outdoor living spaces and family patios primarily serve to lift the mood, have fun and cool time. However, ADU is primarily about increased functionality and practicality. Therefore, during the landscape design process, pay attention to this component. After all, additional storage space in your yard will never be superfluous.

Overall, creating a good landscape design is always a choice of the golden mean, for example, between whether you want to feel private or feel welcoming, create such a number of planting zones so that they do not dry up in a hot climate, or maintain a balance between outdoor entertaining and functional components. If you clearly set your priorities and form a specific vision of the future landscape, then success will definitely come.

Top-5 Eco-Friendly ADU Landscaping Ideas

People are responsible for everything that happens to the surrounding nature and atmosphere. This is an undeniable fact, so we recommend all property owners who have conceived the idea of creating a unique landscape of an accessory dwelling unit to follow the principles of sustainability during this process. Moreover, such solutions are in no way inferior to other ADU designs.

These are five cool and environmentally friendly techniques for creating accessory housing unit landscaping:

1. The most obvious technique that will have a beneficial effect on both the environment and the landscape is the maximum planting of outdoor spaces next to tiny houses. This factor is especially relevant for industrial towns that lack green plants that produce oxygen. Moreover, given the fact that most accessory dwelling units stand next to transport hubs and roads, a green fence will create isolation and a sense of security.
2. Fresh water reserves are not endless, and to use this resource effectively, designers advice property owners to create water tanks. The perfect symbiosis of functionality and landscaping is the rain garden. This system allows you to hold all the water that flows down from the ADU roof and the main single-family home, cleans the water from pests, feeds the soil with water, and, most importantly, the water in such a garden does not linger for a long time, which means that microorganisms will not begin to multiply in it.
3. Some homeowners have an irresistible desire to plant exotic crops in their backyard or garden, however, this is not the best solution. Plants from the local climate can easily adapt to weather conditions, have low maintenance costs, and also do not cause an imbalance in the life of the local fauna. Finally, local plants, with proper care, look as spectacular and profitable as exotic ones.
4. Continuing the planting theme, it is critically important to note the need to respect diversity. Planting one crop will negatively affect the condition of the soil in your garden because this plant will suck all the nutrients out of the soil and deplete it. A variety of plants, on the contrary, will minimize soil degradation, protect your garden from pests, and diversify the landscape of your yard.
5. Equipping the entire available space with decorative elements and environmentally friendly furniture will be the final chord in creating a sustainable landscape. In fact, you can make all the components from the porch and the patio to the benches and the flowerbed from safe materials that do not damage the environment, especially since they all have a pleasant palette and shades.

As you can see, all the solutions presented are functional and practical. They will help create a unique landscape in your backyard, and at the same time, you will have a sense of fulfilling the mission of environmental preservation, which, by the way, is in the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

ADU Landscaping Creative Solutions

There are many design solutions that do not have a specific reference to the style. The world of landscape design is no exception, and now we want to tell you about several techniques that you can implement in dedicated spaces when creating a landscape for your ADU project.

Let’s move on to them without delay:

• Seat walls. These “stone benches” are imbued with the spirit of the Middle Ages; they will perfectly fit into any garden or backyard and also emphasize their uniqueness. If you decide to go outside in the evening, get some fresh air, and enjoy the sunset, then you will not find a better place than the seat walls.
• Pathway lighting. The classic of any romantic movie is a pathway or accent lighting. There are many options for creating such a lighting format for your yard. However, we prefer solar-powered garden lamps because they do not consume electricity and come in a variety of configurations. You can turn on several lanterns or all at once, creating a spectacular illumination for your garden.
• Stylish patio. Of course, you can opt for the variant when the garden exit adjoins the ADU, however, it is best to add an intermediate element to this chain, namely the patio. The patio will allow you to relax in the shade during the heat, arrange family gatherings and enjoy nature. Moreover, with the help of a patio, you can realize part of your design plans, because this component of the landscape is very variable.
• Stone driveway. To make it easier for you to move between the backyard, between one unit and another, and between smart planting systems, we recommend you lay a driveway made of stone. Of course, there are other options, e.g., an embankment path or a path made of wooden decking; however, the stone looks the most solid and stylish.
• ADU double doors. We will end our selection with where accessory dwelling unit landscaping begins, as in the films of Christopher Nolan. The double doors in your ADU will become a gateway to the wonderful world of outdoor living space with all its beauties. In addition, this solution will emphasize your sense of true aesthetics.

These solutions have two features. Firstly, these ideas are suitable for any ADU projects and gardens. Secondly, none of these ideas will disrupt the appeal and style of a primary home on the same property as ADU.

ADU Landscape Specialist: Reasons for Hiring

ADU construction is a process of interaction between many qualified professionals, from builders to lawyers. Landscape design is also the prerogative of a master with the appropriate specialization, and that’s why you can’t do without his help.

Firstly, having extensive experience, the designer will tell you the most profitable solutions that will have the characteristics of uniqueness and high style, as well as fit into the concept of the existing home or, conversely, stand out from its background. Secondly, the specialist will ensure the perfect functioning of all technical components, in particular, lighting and rainwater collection tanks.

Finally, the masters will tell you in detail how to maintain the perfect condition of the landscape, and this is a significant saving of your time. Moreover, in case of any technical problems, you can call a trusted specialist and he will fix everything immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

What are the main stages of the landscape space planning process?

The landscape ADU planning process consists of four fundamental stages, namely, calculating the budget for the beautification of your garden, developing a landscape design concept, approving a plan with a specialist and working to bring the idea to life.

What additional functions does the ADU landscape perform besides purely aesthetic ones?

ADUs present a completely new type of housing, each component of which can be energy efficient, functional and practical. Carefully considered landscape design can serve as a storage space, a work area instead of a noisy house, a yoga practice area, as well as a place of inspiration for you, an adult child or an age relative.

What techniques will help not to disrupt the unity of the landscape of ADU and primary residence?

We identify five universal techniques, in particular, installation of seat walls, pathway lighting, patio or lawn, stone or embankment paths, as well as beautiful flower beds or a small fountain. These techniques will help make a stylish, unique and majestic garden out of an ordinary site, like ancient family compounds.

Why does it make sense to hire an ADU landscape design specialist?

ADU construction is impossible to imagine without professional builders; the same goes for landscaping. The master will help you pick profitable stylistic solutions for your garden, make the most effective use of available space, suggest ideas with low maintenance costs, and also find approaches to unusual drafts, e.g., when the backyard revolves around a lawn or a patio from all sides.