Landscape Design Software

I didn't start out using landscape design software for my designs. I did them all by hand. However, the only hand drawings I do lately are some quick elevation sketches while I'm designing as it gives me another perspective quickly.




I enjoy designing with software and do not find that it has any negative effect on my creativity. In addition, there are many features that simplify certain aspects and save me a lot of time.

So what landscape design software do I use?

1. Eagle Point - Landscape Design and Plant Database
2. Bricscad - a type of AutoCAD program
3. Sketchup - Professional Version

The people at Eagle Point (see below) suggested I replace it with Bricscad.

This landscape design software is a very close replica of AutoCAD. In fact, since I was using such an old version of AutoCAD, it was an improvement!

And Bricscad is a fraction of the cost of AutoCAD. They do offer a free trial, so you may try it out. If you have used AutoCAD, you will see the similarities right away. If not, just know that both the features of the software and the results are excellent.


Sketchup
This program is fun! Whether you are a homeowner just wanting to explore some 3D visualization or a professional landscape designer, seeing something in this manner is exciting.

Sketchup is a 3D landscape design program that allows you to really envision a project. I have a client who took my design and used Sketchup himself to see how it would look. What he created was simple, without all the detail I provide. Nevertheless, it worked.

There is a free version through Google which you can download and try. There is also a professional version.

Either way, you will be sure to enjoy "seeing" your landscape. Draw walkways with paving materials... add beautiful shrubs, trees perennials, lawn and groundcover. Do you want to see how a pergola would look? That's available too. So much is possible!

And Sketchup is not only for landscape design. It is extremely popular for use with both Architecture and Interior Design projects.

There are building components, such as windows and doors if you are drawing the architecture of a house. In addition, interior components are also available and you can apply materials for textures.


Eagle Point
Eagle Point has numerous modules that you can purchase. The modules themselves work on top of a base program, such as AutoCAD. I use the modules called Landscape Design and Plant Database.

Eagle Point Landscape Design allows you to add plant symbols on top of the AutoCAD or AutoCad type base program. The plants are selected through the Plant Database module. This module comes with a multitude of plants. In addition, you may add your own plants to it.
There are various software programs for landscape design available. I tried Eagle Point many years ago and have been happy with it. Here are some of its features.

• Many different plant symbols to use.
• Simple resizing of plant symbols.
• Plant labeling on drawing made simple.
• Automated plant list and quantities in xls., cvs., or txt.You can also create lists for only certain areas of the drawing also.
• Calculate running distances.
• Convert circles to plants.
• And more.

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