Purchasing Resources for Landscape Design

Landscape Design Software

Landscape design software can help you grow your landscaping business
By R. Portnoy Landscape designers put themselves above the crowd when they use professional landscape design software. When you show potential clients a photo-realistic, 3D representation of their own house and yard filled in with lush, professionally designed plantings, you will have already gone a long way toward making a sale.

With a full suite of integrated plant libraries, patio and deck designs and even cost estimation tools, landscape design programs can present you in the most professional, organized light possible. But the wide variety of available features, and prices that range all the way from 2 figures to 4, can be confusing, so you'll want to think a bit before rushing into a purchase.

Consider the following when choosing professional landscape design software:

1. Most landscape design software suppliers offer free trials, so you can evaluate the software before spending your money.
2. Landscape design varies by region, so a good landscape design program will too.
3. Mastering high-end landscape design programs can take time and training. An expensive home and garden landscape design package won’t benefit you if no one can figure out how to use the program.

Test drive landscape design software before you buy with free downloads

Landscape design programs cover a full spectrum, from programs based on the architectural drawing system CAD, to programs that let you present your landscape design ideas with much simpler tools. Use free online demos to determine the style, graphics and tools best suited your business.
Try:  PRO Landscape Version 14 is a high-end, CAD based program that you'll definitely want to try before buying. IDEA Spectrum is a mid-priced program that allows you to download a free trial. You can also test drive SmartDraw, which offers tiered pricing based on the number of users in your business.

Look for a landscape design program with region-specific features

Many programs take into account your region's climate, terrain, water considerations and ideal plants. If you have clients who like to scroll through your software's plant libraries, this can save a lot of time.
Try:  PlantMaster offers several landscape design programs, each tailored to a different geographic region. With Landscape Vision Design Software, you enter your region first, and then see only geographically appropriate plants.

Get the most from your professional landscape design software with training

Mastering any software program is the only way to unlock its full potential. If you decide to invest in one of the more complex garden design programs, training may be the most efficient way to get you and your staff up to speed.
Try:  Both PRO Landscape and DynaSCAPE offer live, online and even on-site training.

• Landscape designers who leave quality materials behind after a presentation also leave a better impression. Many landscape design programs provide tools that help you produce professional proposals and bids, in addition to the standard printouts of design plans.

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