Whether you are brand new at planning out your yard or an old pro, integrating new landscaping, or even starting with a fresh palette can be a bit overwhelming. What plants to put where, what to take out, garden borders, and aesthetically pleasing layouts are only a few things you need to consider. Landscaping softwares help take the stress out of design layout and measurements, provides you with an excellent way to envision your yard (or your client’s yard) after completion, and saves you the time from having to get started with a plan only to find you need to change it part way through.
Why Use a Landscape Software?
If the above reasons weren’t compelling enough, consider this: even contractors use softwares now to plan in advance for approval from their clients. Having all the details at hand before you (or your crew) ever pick up a shovel can save you a ton of time in the long run. Plus, what you visualize may not look as good once in place. Take a look at the reasons you should consider one:
- They are available in a variety of choices based on your needs and budget. If you are looking for basic raised bed vegetable gardens opposed to whole property landscape design, you can purchase a simple software opposed to a more complex option.
- You can see in advance exactly what your plans will look like and where they best fit. All measurements for garden beds, plants, walkways, water features, etc can be explored to determine your best options. This includes where plantings should take place to avoid overgrowth as they mature.
- Know what your plants will cost before ever spending a penny. This provides you a way to make a plan you can afford, as well as get creative in how to create your dream in a more budget friendly way in advance.
- See how your yards topography can influence where to put certain beds, plantings, walls, or other property features. Some softwares even suggest placement to work with slopes and hills.
- Most have the ability to see where inground sprinklers or other irrigation solutions should be placed. You can also easily work with existing watering solutions to ensure you take full advantage of their placement.
- Some softwares create detailed blueprints that can be used by landscape architects. Saving you the cost of having to hire someone to make them to legal property specifications and local code.
- Putting in more than just a new landscape? Some softwares are equipped with architectural plans as well, allowing you to work with changes to an existing home, building a new home, or adding structures to the property.
Tips to Choosing a Landscape Software for Your Needs
Since not all landscaping softwares are made the same, you want to take a little time in your search for the best option. With the wide variety of options available, choosing one isn’t quite as simple as going to the store for a new pair of garden shoes, hose, or other helpful tool- instead you need to consider a few details first:
- Do your plans need to meet code or HOA standards? Look for software that provides specific legal property measurements and exact dimensions for approval.
- Are you computer savvy, or need a few lessons before you get going? There are many versions that provide online tutorials and customer help to get you comfortable and working with ease.
- 2D versus 3D choices are worth considering depending on the amount of property you are landscaping. 2D provides flat, black and white or colorized ideas for simple visions and spatial planning. 3D renditions allow you to see your plans from any angle for a more detailed touch.
- Are you on a budget? Make a list of needs in advance to avoid buying a more complicated software that may have you paying for things you don’t need. Also look for those softwares that allow for financial planning to help extend those savings once you break ground.
- If you own your own business, look for software that allows you to save templates to share with potential clients, allowing them to see the possibilities they can explore before they even hire you. This is a great way to showcase your abilities without depending on photos that may not always be from the best angle. It also allows clients to see estimated costs up front and saves you from having to backtrack when their minds are changed.
Conclusion
Landscaping software is well worth the investment whether you are looking to design your own space or a clients’. It takes the time out of hand drawing, and provides a ton of information you can use to stay within a budget and still get what you want out of your yard. Look for an option that fits your needs!
