Landscape Design Software
Landscape planning made easy
Before you pick up that shovel or head to the nearest home and garden store, make sure you have a plan: a landscape design plan, that is. Landscaping software can make your landscape planning easy. Landscape software (also called lawn care software or garden design software) can be the most important time and money-saving tool you have in planning the look and feel of your outdoor space.
Landscaping programs usually work in one of two ways:
- You can lay out your landscaping design around an actual photo of your home, or
- You'll see a computerized version of your home and outdoor design layout.
What will landscape design software do for you, what are your software options, and how do you know which software to choose?
Why use a software program at all? First of all, you can lay out and design your landscaping, and then change your mind as often as you'd like - before ever buying any plants or digging any holes. It will help you visualize how it will all look when it is done. Software can also help you choose the right plants based on where you live. Some software packages will let you see the design as plants grow and mature so you can gauge how your plan will look today and 20 years from now. With other software tools, you can even plan irrigation, decks, gazebos or basketball courts.
The software options available are numerous. You can do an online search and find quite a few free landscape design software packages, but keep in mind that features and support may not be up to par with purchased software. If you can't find free landscaping software that meets your needs, licensed software packages run from $10 all the way up to $100.
Price shouldn't be the only consideration, though, in selecting the right software. Check out the features of each software package. More isn't necessarily better. You may not need all of the tools that the most expensive package offers. Ease of use should be a huge consideration. You want to be able to quickly install the program and start your outdoor planning without a huge learning curve for the software. In addition, you'll want a software package that offers several ways to get help if you need it. Is there a help menu, a toll-free support phone number, or tutorials to help you get up and running as soon as possible?
Landscape design doesn't have to be done by a professional. You are in the best position to know what you want from your outdoor living space. Landscape design software can help you turn your creativity and ideas into reality and save you money and time in the process.
by Jessica Grayless
