Landscaping Software Recommendations

Are you planning a yard make-over? Do you want to increase your home's curb appeal and create an outdoor retreat for yourself? Or, maybe you're looking to improve the images you can offer your customers for your landscaping business.

Whether you are a professional landscaper or a novice, there are numerous software options that can help you plan out a landscaping project. To help you select the best option to meet your needs, we have reviewed five of these software programs in the article below.

Best 5: Software for Landscaping Review

Recommendation #1

Real Landscaping Plus

9.9

Recommendation #3

Home Designer Suite

9.6

Real Landscaping Plus

You'll love using Real Landscaping Plus to plan your next landscaping project. This software is designed to be easy to use by both experts and beginners. However, the design tools are still very powerful and will help you create a detailed and realistic rendition of your space.

When you use this product, you can choose to design over a photo of your space or in 3D. This will allow you to customize your designing experience to meet your needs and create the best plan for your project.

The precision and detail you'll be able to achieve with this product is pretty amazing. You can plan out your garden with details such as mulch, rocks, edging, and other decorations.

Real Landscaping Plus

You can also use the Plant Growth tool to see a projected image of how your garden will grow and change over the years. This can help you make sure that you space out your plants just enough for them to have room to grow. The image library comes stocked with more than 5,300 trees, flowers, cacti, shrubs and more.

There are also various lighting options to choose from. After adding lighting to your design, you'll be able to view it in a night mode to see what it will look like. You can even use the Realtime Walkthrough feature to do a virtual walkthrough of your garden in the evening.

This program will also allow you to design decks. You can choose from both single-level and multi-level options, allowing you to customize the deck design to the feature of your home. You can also customize your designs by choosing railing types, materials, furniture, outdoor kitchens, and more.

There are many other amazing features included with this option, such as being able to plan landscaping for slopes, designing fences or driveways, adding patios, and customizing all your material options. Once you have a finished design, you'll be able to share your designs by printing them, email them, or creating videos to upload.

As you're using the program, if you are confused or want to learn more about one of the features, just click F1. This will bring up the built-in user manual. A printed quick-start guide is also included to get you started as soon as you open the box.

Pros

  • You can see how your garden will grow over the years. This will help you space out trees and plants properly.
  • You can choose to design in 3D or over a photo of your property.
  • The unlimited undo and redo feature will allow you to experiment with your design without losing what you are working on.

Cons

  • The software will take up a lot of storage space on your computer.
Virtual Architect Home & Landscape

The Virtual Architect Home Design with Landscaping and Decks program is an easy to use program that will help you with all of your design needs. You can use this program to design a home in addition to planning out your landscaping designs.

This product features a wizard-driven interface. This means that it works quickly and you won't need to worry about annoying lags. It is designed so even people with no design experience will be able to create breathtaking designs.

When you are using this product to plan out landscaping, you'll enjoy the flexibility and the different features you can choose from. You can plan out decks, fences, gates, walls, and patios. You can also use this product to add accessories, such as lighting, hot tubs, water features, gazebos, and benches to your design.

Virtual Architect Home & Landscape

The plant encyclopedia that comes with the program contains images of more than 7,500 different plants, flowers, trees, and other options for you to choose from.

You can choose to design in 2D or 3D. As you place your plants and trees, you can choose to see their projected growth over the years. This can help you ensure that you have proper placement of all the elements of your design.

When you are planning out a garden, you will be able to see what your yard will look like in various seasons. Simple choose to preview the seasonal changes, and you can see how your design will look different in summer or winter.

Pros

  • There are more than 7,500 different plants, trees, flowers, and other images for you to use in your designs.
  • You can preview what your design will look like during different seasons.
  • You can switch between a 2D and 3D view while designing.

Cons

  • There is not a virtual reality preview option with this program.
Home Designer Suite

In addition to helping you design your home, you can also use the Home Designer Suite software to plan out your landscaping and garden projects. This option will help you make your plan and view very realistic images of what your finished product will look like.

You can use the program to input the specific attributes of your yard, including the shape, elevations, contours, and slopes. This will help you account for these attributes when planning your design.

The image library has more than 3,600 plants for you to add into your designs. When you use the Plant Chooser tool, you'll also be able to see more detailed information about each plant type, like information about their growth. There are also various pre-arranged landscaping beds for you to choose from to help you simplify the design process.

Home Designer Suite

In addition to planning out your landscaping, you can also use this program to create pools and ponds, pathways, decks, patios, and outdoor kitchens. It will truly be a one-stop shop for all of your outdoor design needs.

You can choose to import a photo of your home into the program. This will allow you to use it as a backdrop for your design and will help you see how everything will look in real life.

Pros

  • You can enter specific information about your yard, such as the shape or elevation.
  • You can choose from pre-arranged landscaping beds.
  • You can create designs for other outdoor features such as decks or pools.

Cons

  • This product is not as user-friendly as some other options.
Total 3D Landscape Design

Total 3D Landscape Design is made to be used by users of all experience levels. However, you'll still enjoy access to a variety of professional-quality features that will help you create a detailed and realistic-looking design.

One of the features you'll love is the Smart YardBlock. This feature will allow you to drag-and-drop various features to easily create a lawn, pool, or deck.

This program will also allow you to scan and trace blueprints of your yard or deck. This will help you to easily modify your current design. You can also import images of your objects that you would like to see included in your design.

Total 3D Landscape Design

The Plant Encyclopedia on this program houses 4,600 different items. You can use it to find the best plants based on your specific needs and likes by searching using 20 different characteristics.

Since you can view your designs in full color, you will be able to easily see the different design features, such as plants, furniture, and fences. This will help you determine if you are happy with your design, or if you wish to make any modifications to it.

To help you learn how to use the software and take advantage of all of the features, there are numerous video tutorials available for you. They offer tips related to getting started with the program, using the design features, and viewing your finished design plan.

Pros

  • You can search the Plant Encyclopedia using 20 different characteristics. This will help you find the perfect plants for your space.
  • You can import images of any existing pieces or furniture that you would like to incorporate into your design.
  • You can scan and trace blueprints to work within an existing design.

Cons

  • The graphics are not a sophisticated as some other programs.
Landscape Deck & Patio

With the Landscape Deck & Patio Software by Punch!, you'll be able to plan out your outdoor space to meet your vision. This product provides you with all the tools you'll need to sketch out your plan, execute your design, and visualize what the finished product will look like.

With this product, you can choose from different landscaping options, allowing you to customize the look of your space. It offers drop-in landscaping options. Or, you can search through the plant library to select exactly what you are looking for and create a personalized design.

Landscape Deck & Patio

Landscape Deck & Patio also will let you add different features to your design. You can choose from water features, outdoor kitchens, pathways, fences, and pools.

The Modify Tool Bar feature will allow you to edit your design, align objects, and create other modifications to your design easily. This program also offers different templates that will make it easy for you to design gardens, patios, or decks.

Pros

  • You can choose from drop-in landscaping options or select specific images from the plant library.
  • You can add features such as fences, pathways, water features, and outdoor kitchens to your designs.
  • You can use the Modify Tool Bar to easily edit your design and align objects.

Cons

  • The search features are not as good as other programs.

Buying Guide

With a landscaping software program, you'll be able to design a beautiful outdoor space. After working on all the detail of your design using the program, bringing your vision to reality will be much easier than working without a clear plan.

Before deciding which software option is right for you, take a few minutes to compare the different options. Think about the different features they offer and what you would like to see in the product you choose.

First, be sure to pick an option that offers all the features you are looking for and will allow you to design everything you need. If you are looking to design a deck or patio along with your landscaping project, be sure to pick a product that offers those options.

Next, pick a product that is user-friendly and easy to use. Make sure the tools and features sound like they make sense and will help you create your dream design.

You'll also want to look at the sample images provided by each software program. Make sure they look realistic and will allow you to see what your finished product will look like.

Choosing a program that will give you access to a large image library is also important. You want to make sure that the product you choose will let you select all the different trees, plants, flowers, and other features you'll want in your space.

Finally, you may also want to look for a product that will show you the projected growth of the various plants in your design. This can help you make sure that you have enough space between your plants to allow for them to grow and stay healthy over the years.

Top Pick

Out of the five products we reviewed, Real Landscaping Plus is our favorite. There is a lot to love about this program, and we really think you'll enjoy using it.

You will have access to so many options, tools, and features with this program. You can customize the plants, materials, and landscaping features of your design easily. Their image gallery gives you access to more than 5,300 plants.

Real Landscaping Plus

The night mode preview will let you see what your design and lighting options will look like under various lighting conditions. This can help you determine whether you have included adequate lighting and have things placed correctly.

There is a lot to love about the Real Landscaping Plus software. Don't waste any more time; place your order today so you can start designing your dream space!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Design My Own Landscape Project?

By using a landscaping software program, you'll be able to plan out your landscaping project. This will allow you to see what different trees, plants, flowers, and other features will look like in your space. You'll be able to modify your design until it meets your vision. Then, you can hire someone to execute your design, or you may choose to do so yourself.

What Is CAD Computer Graphics?

CAD stands for computer-aided design. It refers to creating precise and realistic drawings using a computer. Many landscape software programs use CAD to help create realistic renditions of what a finished project will look like.

How Much Does Landscaping Cost?

The price to landscape a yard will vary based on factors such as size, types of trees and plants used, and any other features that you may add. Some small projects may only cost a few hundred dollars, while much larger projects could cost thousands.

REFERENCE & RESOURCES


Official Top 5 Review Team
Official Top 5 Review Team

The Official Top 5 Review team is dedicated to testing and researching the top products available for many different industries. We do the research and testing so that you don't have to! We welcome you to provide your feedback on your experiences with any products that you have experience with.

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