Landscape Design Software programs are used to plot the layout of softscape (plants, shrubs, vines, and trees) and hardscape (walls, fences, and pergolas) features to create a Landscape. They simplify the task of landscaping and allow you to turn your outdoor area into a piece of art. Why Do You Need One? Landscaping is an integral part of home improvement. It is, however, by no means an easy task. You need to consider a number of factors like the size of your outdoor area, the angles and corners present, the elevation or slope of the lawn, weather, and many more. You need to come up with creative ideas to seamlessly integrate the natural (plants, trees, and bodies of water) and manmade (fences, walls, gazebos, and pergolas) elements and make your outdoor area more beautiful and functional. The process, as you can imagine, requires a lot of creativity, observation skills, and Design skills. Unless you are a highly experienced Landscaper, you may find it extremely difficult to do it. This is why using a Landscape Design Software program is considered a good idea by many. The Advantages of Landscaping Software * It makes the task of landscaping a lot easier. Without a Software program, you have to do everything - right from drawing a plot plan of the area to Designing the Landscape - manually. While doing so, you are bound to forget some small but important details. With a Software program, there are no such problems as you can organize your thoughts, remember all the pertinent details, and plan everything perfectly. * It helps you finish the task quickly. For example, it may take you one or two minutes to draw a plant or write down a landscaping idea with pencil and paper. With a Software program, it will only take you a few seconds. * It helps you visualize the whole process. Without a Software program, you have to assume or imagine how your outdoor area will look once you are finished with it. With a Software program, you know how it will look once you are done. Choosing a Landscape Design Software Program Virtual Planning Feature Look for programs that allow you to scan a photo of your outdoor area and superimpose softscape and hardscape features on it. You can also look for programs that allow you to create an electronic base map, choose your favorite softscape and hardscape features, move them around, and make as many changes as you want. Growth Prediction Feature Look for programs that predict the growth of plants and trees in your outdoor area and show you what they are likely to look like when they grow. Plan your Landscape in such a way that your pools, decks, and fences remain undisturbed even as the plants and trees in the area grow and mature. Cost Estimation Feature Look for programs that help you keep track of the cost at every stage of the process. It is particularly important if you are on a small budget and cannot afford to spend a lot of money on home improvement. Plant Encyclopedia Feature Look for programs that allow you to search and identify plants, shrubs, and trees that are ideal for your region's climate and soil quality. Ease of Use Look for programs that are easy to use. The user interface should be simple and intuitive. You should be able to figure out things on your own even if you are a first-timer. Looking to Buy Landscape Design Software? Read This First!
Landscape Design Software programs are used to plot the layout of softscape (plants, shrubs, vines, and trees) and hardscape (walls, fences, and pergolas) features to create a Landscape. They simplify the task of landscaping and allow you to turn your outdoor area into a piece of art. Why Do You Need One? Landscaping is an integral part of home improvement. It is, however, by no means an easy task. You need to consider a number of factors like the size of your outdoor area, the angles and corners present, the elevation or slope of the lawn, weather, and many more. You need to come up with creative ideas to seamlessly integrate the natural (plants, trees, and bodies of water) and manmade (fences, walls, gazebos, and pergolas) elements and make your outdoor area more beautiful and functional. The process, as you can imagine, requires a lot of creativity, observation skills, and Design skills. Unless you are a highly experienced Landscaper, you may find it extremely difficult to do it. This is why using a Landscape Design Software program is considered a good idea by many. The Advantages of Landscaping Software * It makes the task of landscaping a lot easier. Without a Software program, you have to do everything - right from drawing a plot plan of the area to Designing the Landscape - manually. While doing so, you are bound to forget some small but important details. With a Software program, there are no such problems as you can organize your thoughts, remember all the pertinent details, and plan everything perfectly. * It helps you finish the task quickly. For example, it may take you one or two minutes to draw a plant or write down a landscaping idea with pencil and paper. With a Software program, it will only take you a few seconds. * It helps you visualize the whole process. Without a Software program, you have to assume or imagine how your outdoor area will look once you are finished with it. With a Software program, you know how it will look once you are done. Choosing a Landscape Design Software Program Virtual Planning Feature Look for programs that allow you to scan a photo of your outdoor area and superimpose softscape and hardscape features on it. You can also look for programs that allow you to create an electronic base map, choose your favorite softscape and hardscape features, move them around, and make as many changes as you want. Growth Prediction Feature Look for programs that predict the growth of plants and trees in your outdoor area and show you what they are likely to look like when they grow. Plan your Landscape in such a way that your pools, decks, and fences remain undisturbed even as the plants and trees in the area grow and mature. Cost Estimation Feature Look for programs that help you keep track of the cost at every stage of the process. It is particularly important if you are on a small budget and cannot afford to spend a lot of money on home improvement. Plant Encyclopedia Feature Look for programs that allow you to search and identify plants, shrubs, and trees that are ideal for your region's climate and soil quality. Ease of Use Look for programs that are easy to use. The user interface should be simple and intuitive. You should be able to figure out things on your own even if you are a first-timer. 
