5 February 2024

15 Awesome Apps for Creating Beautiful Landscapes

By Ronald Smith

I want to share with you a list of amazing apps that can help you design some stunning landscapes. Whether you’re planning to spruce up your backyard or create a brand new garden, these apps have got you covered. Let’s dive in and explore the world of landscape design!

1. Garden Puzzle: This app is like a virtual puzzle, allowing you to drag and drop plants, trees, and other elements to create your dream landscape.

2. iScape: With iScape, you can take a picture of your outdoor space and then add various plants and features to see how they would look before making any changes in reality.

3. Home Outside: If you need some inspiration, Home Outside has a gallery of beautiful landscape designs that you can browse through. You can also use their handy tools to create your own unique outdoor masterpiece.

4. Landscaper’s Companion: This app is perfect for those looking to learn more about plants. It provides detailed information on a wide variety of plants, including photos and growing tips.

5. Plan-a-Garden: With Plan-a-Garden, you can create a custom garden layout by dragging and dropping different plants, flowers, and structures. It even gives you the option to view your design in 3D!

6. Perennial Match: If you’re unsure which plants will complement each other, Perennial Match can help. This app suggests combinations of plants that will thrive together, taking the guesswork out of your landscaping projects.

7. PRO Landscape Home: Designed for professionals and beginners alike, PRO Landscape Home lets you create detailed landscape designs using their extensive library of plants, hardscapes, and more.

8. My Lawn: If you’re dedicated to keeping your lawn in top shape, My Lawn is the app for you. It provides personalized lawn care plans, including watering schedules and maintenance tips.

9. Leafsnap: With Leafsnap, you can easily identify different trees and plants just by taking a photo of their leaves. It’s a great tool for nature enthusiasts and aspiring botanists.

10. Planta: Planta takes the guesswork out of plant care. It provides personalized care reminders and tips to help you keep your plants happy and healthy.

11. Gardenize: Gardenize is like a digital journal for gardeners. You can keep track of your plants, create to-do lists, and even connect with other gardening enthusiasts for tips and advice.

12. Landscaping Designs: This app is filled with hundreds of landscaping ideas and designs for all types of outdoor spaces. Get inspired and create a landscape that suits your style.

13. Landscaping Ideas: Similar to Landscaping Designs, this app offers a wide range of landscaping ideas and tips to help you transform your outdoor space into something beautiful.

14. PlantSnap: PlantSnap allows you to identify plants just by taking a photo. It’s a handy tool to have when you come across a plant you’re unfamiliar with and want to learn more about.

15. GreenThumb: GreenThumb is a virtual gardening assistant that provides personalized care instructions for your specific plants. It ensures your plants are well taken care of, even if you don’t have a green thumb.

So there you have it, folks – a list of fantastic apps to assist you in creating your dream landscape. From designing your garden layout to identifying plants and caring for them, these apps cover it all. Happy landscaping!

15 Awesome Apps for Creating Beautiful Landscapes

Let’s talk about landscape design apps. These nifty tools are here to help folks like you and me, whether we’re homeowners or professional landscapers, to plan our outdoor spaces with ease. There’s a bunch of them out there, some with fancy AR visualization tricks, while others keep it simple, helping us place plants and create garden layouts. Now, this post right here is your ultimate guide to landscape design software. It’s got everything you need to know, whether you’re a company or a designer.

So, what exactly is a Landscape Design App?

A landscape design app is a special kind of software. It’s like having a virtual assistant that helps landscapers, designers, and homeowners visualize new landscape layouts. With these apps, you can mix and match all sorts of elements, like plants, water features, and hardscapes, to see how they look together. And the best part? You can create a solid plan based on these designs, making it easier to bring them to life.

15 Awesome Apps for Creating Beautiful Landscapes

The Magic of Landscape Design Apps

Are you curious about how technology can transform your outdoor space? Look no further! Today, I want to share with you the wonders of landscape design apps. These incredible tools have the power to revolutionize the way you plan and create your dream garden.

Now, you might be wondering, What exactly is a landscape design app? Well, let me explain. These apps are like your very own virtual garden helpers. They allow you to visualize different landscaping ideas, experiment with various elements, and ultimately bring your vision of a perfect outdoor oasis to life.

One of the greatest advantages of using landscape design apps is their ease of use. With just a few taps of your finger, you can access a whole world of landscaping possibilities. Want to try out different types of flowers or shrubs? Simply browse through the app’s vast collection of plant species and see how they would transform your yard. It’s like having a virtual nursery right at your fingertips!

But that’s not all these apps can do. They also come equipped with nifty features that help you plan the layout of your garden. You can sketch out the shape and size of your outdoor space, experiment with different paths and walkways, and even add in furniture and other outdoor accessories. It’s like being an architect, but for your garden!

Imagine this: you’re sitting in your backyard, enjoying the gentle breeze and the smell of blooming flowers. You look around and realize that every element in your garden was carefully chosen and designed by you. It’s your own little piece of paradise. And you have landscape design apps to thank for bringing your wildest gardening dreams to life.

So, whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just starting your gardening journey, landscape design apps are a game-changer. They provide you with endless inspiration, practical tools, and a chance to create a space that reflects your unique style and taste.

So go ahead, download a landscape design app today and unlock the magic of turning your outdoor space into a breathtaking masterpiece. Trust me, once you start using these apps, you’ll never look at your garden the same way again. Happy gardening!

15 Awesome Apps for Creating Beautiful Landscapes

  • Visualizing Before Implementation: One of the great things about landscape design apps is that you can see what your garden or landscape will look like before you actually make any changes. This means you don’t have to guess anymore. You can see exactly how each plant, water feature, or hardscape will look in your space. This helps make sure you’re happy with the design and avoids costly mistakes.
  • Interactive AR Experience: A lot of landscape design apps use Augmented Reality (AR) to show you what your landscaping ideas will look like in real life. It’s like a virtual reality experience where you can interact with the design. You can see how different elements will fit into your space and make sure they look just right.
  • Get Creative and Be Flexible: When it comes to designing outdoor spaces, every client and every location is unique. That’s where landscape design apps come in. They give you the power to customize and adapt your designs to meet specific requirements or environmental factors. Whether it’s choosing where to place plants or deciding how water features should flow, these apps allow you to add your personal touch and make the client’s experience truly special.
  • Saving Money and Time: Starting a landscape project without a clear plan can lead to costly mistakes and endless revisions. But with a landscape design app, you can avoid all that hassle and save money in the process. By experimenting with different ideas virtually, you can find the perfect design that not only looks great but also stays within your budget. It’s a win-win situation that helps you achieve your aesthetic goals without breaking the bank.
  • Easy Communication with Clients: Communication is super important when working on a design project. With landscape design apps, we can easily share our work with clients. They can look at our designs, make suggestions, and even give their approval in real-time. This way, we can work together and make the project go smoothly.

15 Awesome Apps for Creating Beautiful Landscapes

The Best Apps for Landscape Design: Our Approach

In the world of landscaping, where having a clear vision is crucial for creating the perfect design, landscape design apps have become essential tools for both professionals and hobbyists like me.

  1. Functionality and Design Tools: A Perfect 10/10
    • Having a wide range of design tools at your fingertips, including 3D modeling, plant databases, and terrain mapping, is incredibly important.
    • It’s crucial for these design renderings to be accurate and detailed, allowing me to visualize my ideas effectively.
    • Whether I’m working on a small garden or a large outdoor space, these apps need to provide features that cater to different scales of landscaping projects.
    • User Interface and Ease of Use: Score of 9/10
      • An intuitive interface is vital, making it easy for me to navigate through the app and create my designs without a hassle.
      • These apps should be accessible to users with varying levels of expertise, ensuring that both beginners and experienced users can utilize them effectively.
      • Clear tutorials and guides are essential, especially for new users like me who may not be familiar with all the features and tools.
      • Integration with Other Tools and Platforms: Importance 8/10
        • It’s important to be able to work with other design software or tools.
        • You should be able to easily import and export designs and collaborate with others on projects.
        • Syncing your work with cloud storage helps with project management.
        • Customization and Flexibility: Importance 7/10
          • You should have options to make your designs unique and add special features.
          • Your landscaping software should be flexible enough to accommodate different styles and preferences.
          • Make sure the tools allow you to add personalized touches and create detailed finishing touches.
          • Resource Library and Content: Importance 6/10
            • The software should come with a wide variety of plants, materials, and other landscaping elements.
            • Regular updates that include new content and design trends are important.
            • Let’s talk about the things that are important when choosing a plant care app.

              First off, it’s crucial to have access to information about plant care, climate suitability, and maintenance. You want an app that can give you all the details you need to keep your plants happy and healthy.

              Next up, pricing and subscription models. It’s essential to have transparent and fair pricing structures. Look for apps that offer free versions or trial periods so you can try them out before committing. You also want to make sure you’re getting value for your money, considering the features and capabilities offered.

              Customer support and community are also important factors. It’s great to have access to responsive customer support in case you run into any technical issues. Look for apps that have community forums or networks where you can share ideas and get feedback from other plant lovers. Online resources like FAQs and video tutorials are a big plus too!

              Lastly, mobile accessibility and performance. You want an app that can efficiently run on your mobile devices and tablets. Make sure the essential features are available in the mobile versions, so you can take care of your plants on the go.

              There you have it! These are the key things to consider when choosing a plant care app. Happy gardening!

              When it comes to designing landscapes, it’s important to have a consistent experience whether you’re using a desktop or a mobile device. That’s why I’ve curated a list of landscape design apps that are functional, visually pleasing, and offer professional-grade features. By considering these aspects, I’ve found the best free software options for designers and companies. These apps will help you bring your creative visions to life quickly and beautifully.

              Starting a landscaping business on my own can be really tough. It’s not easy at all! But if I have my own landscaping or design company, I know I need the right tools to make amazing designs for my clients. There are so many landscape design apps out there with different features and things they can do. Some of them don’t cost anything at all, and others might have some fees to use all their features. But what’s great about all the tools I’m about to tell you is that they’re all free to download. So, you won’t have to worry about spending any money on them. Let’s check out this list of landscape design software that will really help take my business to the next level.

              15 Awesome Apps for Creating Beautiful Landscapes

              1. iScape

              Compatible with: iOS 12.2 or later, MacOS 11.0 or later

              I want to tell you about this awesome landscape design software called iScape. It’s made especially for Apple Products, like iPads, iPhones, iPod Touch, and Mac devices. Whether you’re a homeowner or a professional, iScape is super user-friendly and easy to use.

              What’s really cool about iScape is that it has realistic visualization tools. This means you can see what your design will actually look like once it’s done. It’s like having a sneak peek before you even start! Plus, you can share your designs with others and even collaborate with them.

              If you’re a homeowner or just a hobbyist, you’ll be happy to know that the basic version of iScape is free. But if you’re looking for some extra features like 3D AR designs and proposal tools, you can upgrade to the premium version for only $29.99 per month.

              2. Planter

              Compatible with: Android and iOS devices

              Have you ever wanted to create the perfect garden? Well, with Planter, you can make your gardening dreams come true! This awesome app is all about helping you optimize the growth conditions for your plants. It’s like having a personal assistant for your garden!

              With Planter, you can easily customize a grid to match the dimensions of your landscape. You can add over 50 preloaded plants or create your own custom additions. The app also provides you with tons of resources about companion plants, frost zones, and spacing, so you can make sure your garden is thriving.

              If you’re into vegetable gardening, Planter is especially ideal for you. It’s packed with features that will help you plan the perfect vegetable garden. However, if you’re more interested in flowers and hardscapes, there are fewer features for you, but it’s still worth checking out!

              The best part? Planter is totally free to download! But if you want some extra goodies, there are in-app purchases available. Don’t worry though, the app is designed with you in mind, so it’s super easy to use. Just dive right in and start creating your dream garden!

              3. PRO Landscape Home

              Compatible with: Windows desktop app, can be used on Mac using Parallels Desktop; companion apps available for Android and iOS tablets.

              So, there’s this awesome software called PRO Landscape that’s designed specifically for landscape architects like me. It’s like having a virtual design studio right at your fingertips! With tons of features, including super realistic photo imaging and CAD designs, you can bring your ideas to life and see them right on your computer screen. How cool is that?

              And here’s a neat bonus – PRO Landscape is a licensed program, which means you can use it on multiple devices or even collaborate with other users on the same project. It’s all about teamwork and making your vision come to life in the best possible way.

              Now, let’s talk about the companion apps for tablets. They’re totally free to download and they’re like little pockets of magic. These apps come with helpful tools for providing estimates and even collecting payments right on the spot! No more waiting around or dealing with paperwork. It’s all about efficiency and making life easier for us landscape architects.

              But here’s the scoop – the desktop version of PRO Landscape is a bit of an investment. It’s priced at $1,245, but trust me, it’s worth every penny. And to sweeten the deal, you get 24/7 support with it, so you’re never alone on your creative journey. Plus, if you want to give it a test run before committing, there are free demos available too. It’s like taking the software for a spin before you take it on a road trip. Pretty cool, right?

              4. SketchUp

              Compatible with: Web-based software

              So, let me tell you about SketchUp. It’s this really awesome 3D modeling software that you get for free! And get this, it’s not just for landscape design, but it’s super useful for that too. With SketchUp, you can place objects in a space and totally customize your whole experience. So, if you’re a landscape designer, you can use it to create really cool models of plants, patios, benches, and even water features. How cool is that?

              Now, here’s the really great part – SketchUp is a web-based software, which means you can use it on just about any device with internet access. Plus, it comes with cloud storage and sharing options, so you can easily send your design ideas to clients. For small projects, the free version is perfect. But, if you need more features, there are paid options available, starting at $119 per month.

              5. Microsoft Pix Camera

              Compatibility: iOS

              You won’t believe what I just found! It’s this awesome app called Microsoft Pix Camera. At first glance, it might seem like a regular photo app, but let me tell you, it’s so much more than that. With this app, I can capture breathtaking panoramic shots of my yard.

              But wait, there’s more! Microsoft Pix Camera also comes with this incredible Photosynth technology. What does that mean? Well, it allows me to add extra features to my images, giving me a realistic view of what my new design could look like. How cool is that?

              Now, I gotta be honest with you, Microsoft Pix Camera doesn’t have all the fancy features that some other software programs do. But don’t worry, because it more than makes up for it. The best part? It’s completely free! Yep, you heard me right. And not only that, it also lets me overlay new designs on top of an actual image of my yard. Talk about easy and customizable!

              6. Houzz

              Compatible with: iOS, Android, Amazon

              I want to tell you about a cool app called Houzz. It’s all about designing and remodeling your mobile home. You can upload photos of your space and then add popular products to see how they’ll look. It’s mainly for interiors, but you can also use it for your garden spaces. The best part is that it’s super easy to use, perfect for anyone, but it doesn’t have a ton of fancy design features.

              7. LawnStarter

              Compatible with: iOS and Android

              Now, this next app called LawnStarter isn’t really a design app, but it’s still super helpful. It’s made for homeowners and landscaping professionals. You can use it to connect with customers and get new jobs. It has a booking feature, so you can set your prices and create schedules. Here’s the cool part – you can use it alongside the other design apps on this list. First, market your services and make appointments on LawnStarter, and then use the other apps to show off your awesome designs!

              The Best Landscape Design App for Companies and Designers

              I’ve got some great news for you. You can download the apps I’m about to show you for free, how awesome is that? But hold on, some of them might have extra costs involved. Don’t worry, though, because I’ve also found some that offer free trials, so you can check them out before spending any money. Now, let me introduce you to the top landscape design tools for those who are looking for paid options.

              15 Awesome Apps for Creating Beautiful Landscapes

              8. Garden Planner

              Works on: PC, Mac, iPad, and web

              I came across this amazing software called Garden Planner, developed by The Old Farmer’s Almanac. It’s perfect for planning my garden because it lets me draw out garden beds, add plants, and easily rearrange everything to create the best layouts. The best part is that it can be customized for any gardening style, whether you have a big backyard garden or just a few containers or raised beds. Although it focuses more on plants than design, it still gets the job done.

              Garden Planner Pricing

              You only need to pay for an annual subscription to use this tool. If you choose automatic renewal, it’s $29 per year. If you prefer not to renew automatically, it’s $40 per year. And if you want to have a 2-year subscription, it’s $70. Plus, you can try it out for free with a 7-day trial.

              9. Uvision 3D Landscape Creator

              Compatible with: Windows PCs

              I’m here to tell you about Unilock’s Uvision 3D Landscape Creator. It’s a software made just for landscaping professionals like you. With this software, you’ll have access to a complete library of pavers, walls, hardscapes, and plants that you can easily move around to create your perfect layouts. Plus, it even helps you calculate prices and share your designs with clients.

              Uvision 3D Landscape Creator Pricing

              The great thing about this software is that it’s a one-time purchase. The regular price is $379.95, but if you already have the 2018 version, you can get it for just $179.95. Don’t worry, if you’re not quite ready to commit, there’s also a free trial available for you to try it out.

              10. Garden Designer

              Now, let me introduce you to another fantastic landscaping software called Garden Designer. It works on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, so you can use it on your favorite device.

              Garden Designer makes designing a garden easier than ever. It has a wide range of plants and other design elements that you can simply drag and drop into place. You’ll be able to see both 2D and 3D renderings of your designs, making it perfect for planning everything from a small garden to envisioning your space with a deck or patio.

              How Much Does a Garden Designer Cost?

              When it comes to pricing, the garden designer software is available for a one-time purchase of just $38. On the other hand, the mobile app can be yours for a mere $3.49.

              11. Home Design 3D Outdoor and Garden

              Compatibility: Works with Mac, iOS, and Android devices

              If you’re a home designer in need of a rendering tool, then Home Design 3D is the perfect fit for you. They even offer an outdoor version specifically catered to garden and patio planning. The software allows you to customize your designs with a wide range of products and design elements. What’s more, you can easily view and share realistic 3D versions of your outdoor creations.

              How Much Does Home Design 3D Outdoor and Garden Cost?

              There is a free version with limited options, but you can make in-app purchases to expand your choices. Should you choose to go for the premium version, prices range from $6.99 to $19.99. With the premium features, you’ll have access to augmented reality designs and the ability to import and export projects.

              12. Landscaper’s Companion Plant and Gardening Guide

              Works with: iOS and Android

              If you’re looking for a handy tool to help you pick the right plants for your landscape designs, look no further than the Landscaper’s Companion Plant and Gardening Guide. It’s like having a personal reference book right at your fingertips. This nifty app gives you all the info you need, like how much light and space a plant needs, as well as other important factors like watering and weather conditions. Plus, it even has pictures so you can visualize how different plants will look in your designs.

              What’s the price?

              You can download the app for just $9.99, and if you want some extra features, there are in-app purchases available too.

              13. Discover VizTerra

              Let me introduce you to VizTerra, a fantastic tool for designing your landscape. With its user-friendly interface, you can easily draw and plan your landscaping elements in 2D. And here’s the cool part: VizTerra lets you see your designs come to life in a stunning 3D environment. Plus, this app has an extensive library filled with all sorts of products and design elements that you can simply drag and drop onto your images. How awesome is that?

              What’s the cost of VizTerra?

              The base version costs $97 per user per month and includes features for designing decks and other outdoor spaces. There’s also a version for pool designers, priced at $149, and a version for luxury landscape designers, priced at $197.

              14. Lands Design

              Compatible with: Windows, Rhino 6 7, AutoCAD

              With Lands Design, you can easily create 2D models, 3D renders, photorealistic images, and even videos. It utilizes AutoCAD features and BIM technology to deliver lifelike designs that will impress your clients. While some design knowledge is required to maximize these tools, they are worth digging into.

              Lands Design Pricing

              A commercial license for Lands Design is priced at $795. If you’d like to purchase it with Rhino, the cost is $1695. Additionally, there is a 90-day free trial available for you to try it out.

              15. Home Outside

              Compatible with: Web, desktop, iOS

              Welcome to Home Outside, where designing your dream outdoor space is a breeze. With our user-friendly design planning tool, you don’t need any fancy drawing skills. Simply drag and drop design elements, or choose from our gallery of options. Want to see how everything will look in your space? No problem! You can even select photo backgrounds and measure your land to ensure everything fits perfectly.

              What’s the Price?

              When it comes to affordability, we’ve got you covered. The iOS app is only $2.99 to download. But that’s not all! If you’re looking for some expert guidance, we offer landscape and garden design sessions for just $99 each. Don’t worry though, these sessions are specifically designed for homeowners like you.

              Comparing Landscape Design Apps

              Discovering the Perfect Backyard Landscape Design App

              There are so many great landscape design apps out there, both paid and free, that cater to different skill levels. If you’re looking for a top-notch app, some options to consider are iScape, PRO Landscape Home, and Home Outside. To find the perfect design tool for you, take a look at their features and see which ones are compatible with your devices. You could even try out a free trial or demo to see how it works before making a decision.

              What’s the best app for landscape design?

              The best app for landscape design really depends on what you need and what you can afford. If you want a free app for your iPhone or iPad, iScape is a great choice. On the other hand, if you’re after professional-grade software with more advanced design features, check out Lands Design. If you’re interested in creating 3D designs that go beyond just landscapes, give SketchUp a try. And if you need a versatile tool that works on multiple platforms, PRO Landscape Home has got you covered.

              What’s the best free app for landscape design?