Whether you’re looking to make your outdoor space more functional or improve your home’s curb appeal, it’s important to make a plan before you touch your home’s landscaping. Well-planned landscaping can make a huge difference in how much you use your outdoor space.
While you could hire a professional, many homeowners can tackle their landscaping as a DIY project with excellent results when they use the right tools. Depending on the level of changes you want to make, you can easily find an online landscaping tool from this list that can help you get the job done.
Why Do It Yourself Instead of Hiring a Professional?
Creating an outdoor space you love can be daunting, depending on where you’re starting and what you want to accomplish. When it comes to major landscaping changes, you may seriously consider hiring a professional landscape designer. The issue with hiring a professional is that it can be costly. Several different factors will influence the total price of hiring a professional, but on average, you’re looking at spending $4,600 to work with a landscape designer. However, with the use of online landscape design tools, you can quickly complete your project for a fraction of the cost.
Top Online Landscaping Design Tools for Your DIY Project
An online landscaping design tool will help you virtually add or subtract elements to your space so you know which direction to head. Some tools will even help you decide which type of plants will be best regarding maintenance level, size, etc. These tools can also determine total lawn area, which path you want to install, whether you want to install a patio or deck or any outside seating and entertainment areas.
It’s important to note that not all online design tools are created equal. Some will have a better user interface that is easy to use, while others are more geared toward professionals with a broader selection of tools and more complicated systems. With so many options, it’s difficult to know where to start. We’ve done the work for you and have compiled a list of the best DIY online landscaping design tools available.
1. SmartDraw Backyard Design
SmartDraw Backyard Design is an easy-to-use online tool that allows you to create a landscaping project layout easily. SmartDraw is a company that specializes in diagrams from flowcharts to floor plans. Simply start with one of the landscape templates and add the elements you want to include, such as pavers, gardens, swings, etc.
SmartDraw is a paid system you download onto your computer, making it more robust than other cloud-based options, potentially slowing down your system. It also means that you are limited in where you can access the layout, which could be problematic when shopping for materials. Overall, however, this is a great user-friendly option for your DIY landscaping project.
2. HomeByMe Design Planner
HomeByMe allows you to quickly create a plan for your exterior spaces, like your garden or patio. Once you select your type of exterior, you can start choosing the materials you want to use. With its easy system, you can place plants, walls, edges, and so on to create the exact look you want for your space. You can also add outdoor furniture for a more complete plan to guide your landscaping project; place plants, walls, edges, and so on to your plan to create the exact look you want for your space. You can also add outdoor furniture for a more complete plan to guide your landscaping project.
One of the benefits of HomeByMe is that it is app-based, making it completely mobile and perfect for tablets. All you need is measurements, and you can easily make a plan to start creating your dream outdoor space. You can add your own images or use their extensive catalog of furniture and plants to get a better idea of the end look of your project. HomeByMe is compatible with both Apple and Android and is free to try. The free plan includes five projects and a limited number of images of your final project. They also offer a premium membership that includes unlimited projects and HD images, as well as a pack of 4k images, aerial images, and 360o images.
3. Visualizer by Showoff.com
It can be difficult to know where to start when it comes to DIY landscaping projects. Visualizer makes it easy by bringing AI into the mix. Simply take an online assessment to identify your style and personality. Based on this information, Visualizer will give you recommendations for your landscaping project, from what types of plants to include to various outdoor elements and features. Once you find the elements you want to include in your design, you can virtually add them to your space to confirm that you like it. Visualizer also gives you the option to purchase the items you love and get them shipped directly to your home, although you’ll still have to do the heavy lifting.
4. iScape
iScape is specifically designed to help you visualize your project. Simply take a photo of your outdoor space and start adding elements using the app. There are a variety of tools that allow you to be as precise as possible to give you an accurate visualization. There is also an extensive library of elements from fences to fire pits to help you create your outdoor living space.
You can use this service for free, but you will have limited Features and functionality. To get the most out of iScape, you’ll want to opt for the pro subscription at $29.99/month to access the full database of products and all of the available features. If you’re worried about doing it on your own, iScape has the option to work with a professional designer to help bring your vision to life for an additional fee.
5. DreamPlan Home Design
DreamPlan Home Design is another helpful tool for all DIY landscapers. You can easily download the software online and use it on your laptop or PC. Using the software you can create a 3D model of your home and add the various elements you wish to include in your landscaping project. With the exterior tab, you can add a variety of plants, pavers, patios, outdoor furniture, fire pits, swimming pools, etc. to your space. You can use this plan to help guide you through your DIY project.
The DreamPlan Home Design software does not require any expertise and can be used by any homeowner or professional. What makes this tool simple to use is the minimal features that provide enough guidance without being overwhelming. The cost of the DreamPlan Home Design software is $35 for homeowners.
6. Foyr Neo
If you’re looking for an easy all-in-one tool to guide your project, look no further than Foyr Neo. While at first glance Foyr Neo is designed for interiors, they have an option to work with your exterior as well, giving you everything you need to plan out and finish your landscaping project. The online catalog of materials and items lets you easily drag and drop the various components of your backyard design, helping you create your dream space. Foyr Neo also gives you the option to have your plan in both 2D and 3D layouts. Once you have your plan completed you can print it out with labels making it easy for you to get the necessary materials for your DIY landscaping project.
Foyr comes with a free trial for 14 days. After the free trial, the basic subscription is $44 per month, which should be sufficient for the average DIY homeowner. With your subscription you’ll be
7. Garden Plans from Better Homes & Garden
When it comes to doing your own landscaping, often deciding which kind of plants you need is a huge part of the challenge. One online option to help ease this part of your DIY project is Better Homes & Garden DIY gardening guides. Whether you are using one of the online landscaping tools mentioned above or are looking at a low-key project, these garden plans will help you know exactly what kind of plants are right based on the conditions of your yard. Garden plans are available for drought and heat-resistant areas, yards with full sun, low-maintenance plants, etc. Just find your garden type and download the free plan to give you the direction you need to get your garden looking wonderful.
Conclusion
Online landscape design tools have transformed the way we approach landscaping projects, making them more accessible, convenient, and visually engaging. These tools empower homeowners to take control of their outdoor spaces, enabling them to create stunning gardens and landscapes that reflect their personal style and preferences – all at the right price point. Whether you’re planning a small garden makeover or a complete backyard transformation, these tools are a valuable resource that can help you bring your outdoor dreams to life. So why wait? Dive into the world of DIY landscape design tools and start crafting the garden of your dreams today!