Notes

Free Landscaping Design Software Programs
For those who would like to dabble or for those attempting to try their hand at a free option, locating a good free landscaping program can be tough. Many from the big-name home and landscape software providers give a trial period, but there's not very many completely free packages. Below can be a listing of the free landscape design software packages available about the Internet.
1. Google SketchUp
Most landscaping professionals consider Google SketchUp to be the most effective free option. You can use the program free for as long as you need. They do come with an upgrade option (Google SketchUp Pro) which costs $495. However, its not necessary the pro version being able to create some incredible landscaping design. The power on this free tool is unmatched by one of the other free options.
The one disadvantage in the Google SketchUp free version could be the learning curve you may face. Don't anticipate to download the free version and have an amazing landscape design carried out one day.
2. Better Homes and Garden Plan-a-Garden
Better Homes and Garden (BHG) carries a free software tool known as Plan-a-Garden. This software tool is a piece of cake to utilize however it is in a very different class (a significantly lower class) than Google SketchUp. If you are wanting to create (in 2D) a tiny, vegetable-less garden this will be the selection for you. You can cause simple designs inside of a matter of minutes.
The another thing that actually annoyed me about this tool is that it doesn't offer any vegetables. You are limited by flowers, bushes, trees, and structures.
3. BBC Virtual Garden Free Tool
A lots of people mention using a free landscape design tool given by the BBC. Getting BBC's garden tool to function correctly is difficult. The program includes a reputation crashing and BBC has stopped being providing any form of customer care around the tool (it's tough to make available customer service on the free tool).
If you do fully grasp this free landscape design software to be effective, then supposedly it has 3D capabilities.
4. PlanGarden
This tool could be about the other end of the spectrum from Google SketchUp. PlanGarden has not many capabilities in terms of landscape design. you could try this out was designed to allow you to design and manage your backyard. If that's all you desire, then PlanGarden might be a good idea for you. PlanGarden is simply the same tool as BHG's Plan-A-Garden software, however it is sold with vegetables! Note that this tool is no longer free. They do give you a 45 day trial though.
5. The ShowOff Visualizer
The free landscaping software available from ShowOff is one from the better free options on the market. It includes a feature that allows you to upload a picture of your landscape or house and then you can produce your design with the help of objects on the picture. Unfortunately that's about in which the usefulness on this software ends.
The software packages are useful, but it still acts like free software. There are a great deal of bugs and annoyances. For example, it logs people out randomly times as well as doesn't keep your work. You can't rotate the objects you insert. There is no 3D mode. The user-interface isn't very intuitive and it is difficult to find the objects you are searching for to insert to your design. This software doesn't equate to the paid programs around.
Overall ShowOff may perhaps be your next smartest choice after Google SketchUp for free landscaping software. You can accomplish some great designs in the matter of minutes. You can add trees, private pools, and lawn ornaments.
Website: https://greenprintlandscapes.com.au/products/