It is time to design or redesign your landscaping, but you are not sure where to start. Maybe you have some great ideas, but you are having a hard time getting them out of your head and onto paper. Or maybe you only have a vague idea of what you want and need to find some great ideas and inspiration.

A good solution for either of these scenarios is to download a landscape design app that will let you play around with different elements and put together a visual rendering of the ideal landscape you have in mind.

If you are planning a do-it-yourself project, this is a great way to put something together that will act as a guide for your overall design plan before you start digging or planting. If you are working with a professional designer, this is a great way to put together a rough idea of what you are interested in to make it easier to convey your ideas to them.

Here are six of our favorite landscape design apps to get you started.

iScape

iScape is an easy-to-use landscape design app that works for complete beginners all the way through professional designers. You can download the app for a trial run at no cost, but the Pro subscription is $19.99 per month. You can get started with the free version, but you may end up wanting to switch to the paid version for the expanded library of plants and other elements. According to the iScape website, they are working on a new version just for homeowners, so keep an eye out for that. In the meantime, the functionality and intuitive design of this app may convince you it is worth the monthly subscription fee for a month or two while you play around with designs.

Whether you are working on a DIY project or are working with a professional landscape designer, you can start by using the features on this app to put together a rough idea of how you would like your yard to look.

You can start by taking a photo of your space directly from the app or using a photo from the library on your phone. The iScape app also offers an augmented reality option where you can see how certain elements look in your space in real-time. Plus, you can shop for the products you fall in love with right on the app.

Another bonus with this app is the fantastic 3D images that really let you get an idea of how design elements will look in your yard.

Home Outside

This is a simple landscape design app that allows you to bring your ideas together to create a design that includes anything from a pool to solar panels. There are more than 700 design elements to use, as well as a sketch tool that lets you draw in uniquely shaped garden beds or other elements that may not be in the app’s library. Like professional landscape design apps, you can create your design in layers, so you can have one layer for each set of elements. You can even import a Google map of your property to get you started.

One of the best things about this app is that you can create your design and send an editable version to your landscape designer. This allows you and your landscape designer to make changes and collaborate on your design ideas to get a better idea of what you want before they create the official design plan for your yard.

This is a paid app, but the cost is just $2.99, which is well worth it if it helps you with a DIY landscape remodel or to more easily convey your ideas to your landscape designer. Keep in mind, this is not a 3D model; but rather, it is more similar to landscape plans with top-down views you have probably seen before where you are looking down on the design from above.

Home Design 3D Outdoor & Garden

This is another simple app with an intuitive design that allows you to drag and drop landscaping features. Put in the dimensions of your outdoor space, drop in things like your house and your shed, then start to play with dragging and dropping the hundreds of design elements in the library. You create in 2D here, but can instantly see a 3D model to make sure you like what you put together before sending it off to your landscape designer. Remember, it does not have to be perfect or complete; using these apps just lets you get your ideas down in a visual way that allows you to share what you like and send a sort of rough draft to your designer to give them a better idea of what you want.

The free version is limited and does not allow you to save your designs. To take advantage of the full capabilities of the app and to save and share your designs, you will need to get the paid version for $4.99.

Houzz

Houzz is a hugely popular app for all things design – both indoors and out. While you do not use this app to layout a landscaping design, you are going to find thousands of ideas and a ton of inspiration. With the vast array of images on this app, you are bound to find almost anything you were considering adding to your landscape design. Save a few photos of different elements you like, and share them with your landscape designer to help them get a better feel for how you would like your yard to look. As a bonus, there are lots of patio furniture and outdoor accessories options that you can save, print, share, or even shop for right on the app.

The Houzz app is free and is a lot of fun to browse, so plan on spending hours swiping through some amazing landscape design photos that are sure to inspire you.

Pinterest

Most folks have heard of Pinterest, so you probably already know that this is not a landscape design app. However, while you cannot layout your outdoor living areas or see how certain plants will look next to your home’s façade, this free app is great for inspiration. So, if you are looking for ideas, interesting trees, or ground cover options, Pinterest is a good place to start. This is also a good app for folks who do not want to create a design but just want some photos they can show their landscape designer to give them an idea of what they want.

Landscaping Design Ideas by Armand Boni

Landscaping Design Ideas is another app that is good for folks who need ideas and inspiration before they begin their design. Like Pinterest, this app has tons of photos to search and browse. However, this app is dedicated solely to landscaping ideas, so you will not have to swipe past any photos of wedding cakes or vacation destinations while searching for your favorite backyard designs. You can easily save your favorites to refer to later when working on your design or to show your landscape designer to help them get a better idea of your personal style or favorite shrubs.

The Landscaping Design Ideas app is free, but expect ads to pop up when you open new galleries to browse.

What Next?

Once you have some basic ideas of the features and elements you would like to include in your landscape design, contact Install-It-Direct to schedule a free, on-site consultation with one of our professional landscape designers.

To learn more about the process, visit the Landscape Design page.