Landscape Design Software: 5 Best Options

If you want to undertake some virtual 3D landscape design, a number of software tools can help you. Some are PC-only, while others are multiplatform, and there's even an online service (as long as your goals are modest). As you might assume, an app that focuses completely on landscaping (rather than one that also offers interior house design) will contain more of the elements you will expect and require during the development process. However, a few titles in our list are more renaissance men than jacks of all crafts, delivering a complete package with superb features, from house design to garden landscaping, at a fair price. We've chosen five of the greatest software to let you construct the garden of your (or your client's) dreams from the comfort of your computer, depending on your demands and platform. 

Prior to that, let’s learn a bit more about landscape design software and its purposes.

What is Landscape Design Software?

If you have difficulty visualizing your dream backyard, a landscape design application is your best bet. It is essentially a computer program that allows you to create your idea and tweak it by adding and removing features, such as plants and other props. One of the best aspects of these applications is that they display your design in a photorealistic landscape, enabling you to see it in 3D and identify any potential problems early on. Most landscape design software, such as that produced by Realtime Landscaping, TurboFloorPlan, and Total 3D Landscape, is designed to be quite user-friendly for the typical individual via interactive training. There are, however, more complicated systems intended specifically for professionals. Extra capabilities in professional software like SketchUp Studio, such as cost estimators, import tools, and photorealistic rendering, help with every stage of the design process.

Leading landscape design programs share numerous characteristics, whether you're a professional or just trying to add a little flair to your backyard. You must be able to search for certain props and objects to create your design realistically and have access to a vast library. To completely imagine your fantasy backyard in 3D, the final landscape should be as photorealistic as possible.

Let’s now discuss some of the leading software in 3D landscape design:

1. SelfCAD (Overall Best Landscape Design Software)

SelfCAD is the best landscape design software: Image Source: selfcad.com

SelfCAD is a feature-rich landscape design software that's popular among both beginners and professional designers. You can use it to create any design from scratch with ease and you don’t need to have previous experience in landscape design to be able to use this program. There are freehand sketching and drawing tools that you can use to prepare the plans for your landscape designs and then convert the sketches and drawings into 3D models with ease. SelfCAD is also a powerful 3D rendering software as you can use to generate realistic 3D renders of designs that you can use to show potential customers or for general marketing. There is also a 3D slicer integrated into the program that you can use to prepare your designs for 3D printing. SelfCAD can also generate pretty much any feature users can think of. For some artists, there may be a steep learning curve, but the flexibility of this tool is well worth it for those who want to implement unique landscaping plans.

A free in-browser version with restricted functions is offered, as well as a premium subscription with all features. A browser-based and a desktop program are available in the premium edition.

Pros:

• All-in-one drawing, modeling, sculpting, and printing.
• The user interface has been simplified, and video tutorials have been created.
• Integration of MyMiniFactory and slicer.

Cons:

• Only the most necessary tools are included.
• The G-code cannot be directly uploaded to the printer.

Price: $14.99

Compatible Format: Windows, Mac, Linux

Other versions: Perpetual license costs $599.

2. Realtime Landscaping Pro 

Realtime Landscaping Pro is a high-end landscape design software, sophisticated enough for professionals but simple for homeowners to utilize. Create a realistic model of your home's façade and use the in-built topography builder to sculpt the surrounding terrain to fit your actual backyard. After you've finished your design, you can see it in 3D from any angle you like or use the immersive tour mode to get a sense of how your garden will look when it's finished, complete with realistic lighting, running water, shadows, and even moving leaves.

Realtime Landscaping Pro has an excellent feature set that makes it difficult to match among landscape design tools – especially for under $100 – which is why it is our overall pick for the finest landscape design software available in the market right now.

Pros: 

• Plants from all around the world are available in our extensive library.
• Cost estimates are provided 

Cons:

• For home users, it is relatively costly.
• Only the exterior of the house is modeled
• There is no Mac version.

Price: $99.95

Compatible Format: PC only

Other versions: Plus ($79.95); Architect ($399.95)

3. SketchUp

You'd think that SketchUp, which professional landscape designers and architects use, would be too expensive for the typical home user. Indeed, SketchUp Studio, the most powerful edition, costs an extra $1,199 per year. But don't let the highest price tag stop you. SketchUp is also a free, web-based 3D modeling program that may be used to illustrate landscape design concepts. A year's subscription to SketchUp Shop costs $119, comparable to the two pro-standard landscape design programs in our guide, Realtime Landscaping Pro and TurboFloorPlan Home & Landscape Pro. SketchUp has nearly limitless possibilities for creating your ideal landscape design. Even the basic free program includes a set of landscape-building tools, a palate of essential garden textures, and free access to the online 3D Warehouse's enormous store of pre-built models.

Extras like real-time shadows that reflect the season and time of day, flyovers, photorealistic rendering, walkthroughs, and even virtual reality (VR) integration are available at higher subscription tiers. However, SketchUp Shop is likely to be the best option for home users because it is inexpensive and designed for non-commercial applications.

Pros:

• The free version is available.
• Can create anything from the ground up
• Millions of free models are available.
• Hundreds of Mac-compatible video tutorials

Cons:

• Web-based versions are inexpensive, but Pro subscriptions are not.
• Some knowledge of 3D modeling is required.

Price: SketchUp Shop: $119 per year

Compatible Format: Web-based

Other versions: Free; Pro: $299 per year; Studio: $1,199 per year

4. Total 3D Landscape & Deck Deluxe 

Total 3D Landscape & Deck Deluxe is the rough-and-ready alternative compared to the other landscape design tools in our guide. This is entry-level software for beginners who wish to see their ideas produced in 3D for a low price – as long as accuracy and detail aren't significant goals. On paper, Total 3D Landscape & Deck Deluxe falls between TurboFloorPlan Home & Landscape Pro and Realtime Landscaping Pro in terms of plant inventory, with a library of 4,600 plants. However, this is more of a 'plant encyclopedia' than an object library comparable to those other programs. You'll find important information on the various plants to aid your selection, but they'll look even better when incorporated into your landscape design.

Total 3D Landscape & Deck Deluxe contains some necessary time-saving tools. For example, the Smart YardBlock tool allows you to drag and drop full lawns, decks, and pools into your landscape design. If the free versions of i-Scape or SketchUp don't meet your demands, this is a reasonably affordable solution to envision your garden plans if your budget only allows you $20.

Pros:

• Large plant encyclopedia.
• Low price.

Cons:

• There's no shortcut.
• Set of fundamental capabilities
• There are no estimates of costs available.

Price: $19.99

Compatible Format: PC only

5. iScape

iScape is an app that captures data about your present garden setting using the built-in camera on your iPhone or iPad and overlays your landscape design plans in real-time using augmented reality (AR). Unlike some landscape design programs, iScape allows you to just walk around your garden with your tablet in hand, evaluating the design proposal from various perspectives. Within the app, you'll find an utterly searchable library of trees, shrubs, flowers, and other plants and garden accessories, as well as information and planting advice to assist you in making the best choices. Although the basic version of the software is entirely free to download and use, the limited features may make it worthwhile to purchase an iScape Plus membership if you find it helpful enough. Although the app's AR mode is fun, it is considerably more limited than this review's other specialized landscape design applications.

Pros: 

• It is a company that specializes in iOS products.
• Over 5 million designs have been made.
• Platform that is simple to use.
• There is a free app available.

Cons:

• Android smartphones are not supported.

Price: Free basic app

Compatible Format: iPhone or iPad

How to Select the Most Appropriate Landscape Design Software?

Before deciding on the best landscape design software, think about precisely what you'll use it for. Here are a few helpful questions to ask yourself as a starting point. 

• Are you planning a complete garden makeover, and if so, will you do it yourself or hire a professional? 
• Is it necessary for you to calculate the prices of each part of your plan to stick to a budget?
• Is it necessary to have exact dimensions in the layout you generate with this tool to assist you in rapidly seeing how your concept might look before you go to the garden center? 
• Do you need to re-create the topography of your garden or get the angles of your boundary walls and fences exactly right?
• Do you need a tool to assist you in choosing what to plant and where to grow it depending on your local climate, available sun, soil type, and other criteria when planning a planting scheme? And how much variety do you require?

Other important things to consider include:

• Define your needs: There is a range of different landscape design software available on the market, each with its own set of features. Before selecting a program, it is important to take some time to think about what you need from the software. What type of projects do you plan to use it for? What level of detail do you need? What kind of budget do you have? Once you have a clear idea of your needs, you will be able to narrow down your options and choose the best program for your needs.
• Consider your experience level: Another important factor to consider when choosing landscape design software is your experience level. If you are a beginner, you will likely want to choose a program that is easy to use and doesn’t require much experience. On the other hand, if you are more experienced, you may be able to handle a more complex program. It is important to choose software that is appropriate for your skill level so that you can get the most out of it.
• Compare features: Once you have narrowed down your options, take some time to compare the different features of each program. Some programs offer more powerful tools than others. Some are better suited for certain types of projects. And some come with a higher price tag. By taking the time to compare the features of each program, you will be able to make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
• Read reviews: Another great way to learn about different landscape design software programs is to read online reviews. There are a number of websites that allow users to post reviews of different products. These can be great resources for learning about the pros and cons of each program. Just be sure to take the time to read several different reviews so that you can get a well-rounded view of each program.
• Try before you buy: Before making a final decision, it is always a good idea to try out the landscape design software yourself. Most companies offer free trials of their products. This allows you to see how the program works and decide if it is right for you. Be sure to take advantage of these free trials so that you can make the best decision possible.
• Get a second opinion: If you are still unsure about which landscape design software to choose, consider asking for a second opinion. Talk to other landscapers or gardeners and see what they recommend. They may have experience with different programs and can offer you some valuable insights.

Conclusion

We hope that after reading this article, you have a better understanding of the best landscape design software and can decide which one you need. Different software offers different characteristics, so you must pick the one best meets your requirements. So, choose your software wisely!

---

Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.

Need to learn 3D modeling? Get started with interactive tutorials.