Beyond the Walls: Why Your ADU's Landscape is a Game-Changer
Michael Bernier Aug 25 2025
When considering building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), I believe the design of the surrounding landscape is just as important as the building itself. The outdoor space is a key part that helps connect the new unit with the main property and makes the entire living area better and more functional. I know that a good landscape design can improve how the ADU works, add privacy, and make both the ADU and the main house look nicer. It’s a chance to truly make the entire property better and create a more comfortable living experience for everyone.
Integrating Your ADU with Thoughtful Design
The goal of a well-designed landscape is to create a peaceful living space for all who live there. I always try to make a smooth connection between the ADU and the main house while still giving each resident their own entrance and privacy. This can be done by using pathways, shared areas like gardens and patios, while similar building styles tie the two homes together, but keep them separate. Providing the right kind of access to the ADU is a key part of this connection, making sure that residents of both the main house and the ADU can move around the property easily and without bothering each other.
When it comes to creating privacy, I use landscaping as a great tool to designate specific areas. I believe that strategically placing trees, shrubs, hedges, and fences in smart spots can make sure that both the ADU and the main house have their own private outdoor spaces. This helps keep a feeling of personal space for everyone on the property, which is very important for families with different generations or for renters and owners who want their own quiet spot. A well-placed trellis with climbing plants can create a natural screen, or a row of tall, thick shrubs can act as a living fence to divide a shared backyard into two private areas.
Extending Your Living Space Outdoors
I think of the landscape as an extension of the ADU itself, and a well-designed outdoor area can make the usable living space much bigger. By adding things like patios, decks, gardens, fire pits, or outdoor kitchens, these spaces give you extra room for relaxing, having fun, and eating meals. It’s a way to make the whole property feel larger and more welcoming for both the ADU residents and those in the main home. For me, this is about using the full potential of the property, not just adding a new building. A small, cozy patio with a bistro set and a container garden can give the ADU resident a nice outdoor retreat, while a larger deck with an outdoor kitchen can become a shared gathering spot for the whole family.
These outdoor spaces are especially useful in places with warm weather, where you can enjoy them all year long.
Besides making everything look good, I emphasize implementing sustainable design wherever possible. By using smart landscaping methods like xeriscaping, rainwater harvesting, and local native plants, you will use less water and require much less maintenance. This not only helps the environment but also lowers the cost for the homeowner, making the ADU a smarter financial choice over time. These landscapes can be just as beautiful as traditional ones, while also being more practical and responsible.
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A Valuable Investment in Your Future
The hard work put into a well-designed landscape pays off a lot. I’ve seen firsthand how a beautifully landscaped property with a well-connected ADU can greatly increase its aesthetic appeal, functionality, and overall value. This increase in value is a huge plus for homeowners, whether they plan to sell later or just want to build up their home’s value. An ADU project that includes a thoughtful landscape is often more appealing to people who might buy the home, since it offers both extra living space and a nice outdoor area.
For those using their ADU for rental income, a good landscape is even more important. In warm places, the additional cashflow from increased rent from these improvements and bigger outdoor living spaces can lead to a return on investment of more than 10% and have people renting the space more often. People looking to buy or rent are often drawn to homes that have appealing outdoor spaces and more living options. A successful ADU project depends on careful planning and smart design, and that planning must go beyond just the walls of the unit to include the entire property. Starting with a project feasibility report where the outdoor design is considered upfront, can help make sure this complete approach is taken.
-Michael Bernier
Prefab Homes
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