Home landscaping makes both dollars and sense by helping you utilize outdoor space and boost resale value through curb appeal when it is time to sell. A small investment in landscape design software now can help you get the yard of your dreams and add to your home's worth.
The best landscape design software allows you to import photos of your home and then digitally layer trees, grass or other yard elements so you can get a good idea of what things would look like before you start any major projects. You can also use the software's tools to digitally draw your house, or the house you want to build someday, and then add the yard you want around it. You will not have to settle for seeing a static view of your front and backyard designs, either. Most software programs offer tools that allow you to see how your yard will look as the plants mature, as well as how it would look in different seasons and during the day or nighttime.
This type of software removes a lot of the guesswork by giving you access to extensive plant libraries and information about which plants work best in your climate. If you opt to use a contractor, you can offer a specific plan of what your dream yard looks like. On this site, you'll find articles on landscape design and comprehensive reviews on top-tier software products such as Realtime Landscaping Plus, Home & Landscape Design Premium, and Home Designer Suite.
Landscape Design Software: What to Look For
Using landscaping software allows you to pick whatever decks, fencing, pools or gazebos will fit your vision of a home. Exceptional landscape design software offers 3D walkthroughs, plant libraries and quick online help.
Features & Tools
A larger landscape design toolbox isn’t necessarily better; look for design software that has features you need to create the type of landscape plan you want. For example, some landscape design software has templates for decks, gardens and patios, and some programs focus more on the objects you can put onto a landscape, such as plants. Having a plant encyclopedia with a vast object library can inspire you if your vision is broad.
Design Quality
Programs that have 3D flyaround, walkthrough and object editing can give you an excellent idea of what the finished product will look like. Most software can import photos, but some more advanced programs can convert your 2D photos to 3D.