

In this guide, we’re not going to tell you what the absolute best landscape design software is, because there’s no such thing.

From full-fledged options like Vectorworks Landmark to iPhone-ready landscape design apps like iScape, there is truly something for everyone. Not only will it be fun, but you will be a better designer by doing this.Professional landscape design software has come a very long way in just a few short years, and today it’s easy to be overwhelmed by all of your options. If you are new to gardening or landscape design, before you purchase any app, I would highly suggest picking up a copy of The Essential Garden Design Workbook along with some essential drafting supplies and learn the old-fashioned way. There is no substitute for a poor knowledge of landscape plants or design. But before you head off and just download the iScapes or PROLandscape app, I want to give you a little piece of wisdom I’ve accrued over my years of design. I will provide some helpful insights of each app in the sections that follow, along with some common issues that may influence your decision before downloading. In case the image is too small, click here to download the pdf version. In the table below, I provided a breakdown of some of my ratings for each of the five design apps. The iScapes app is by far the best free landscape design app among its peers, having quality graphics, a solid user-interface, and a good plant library.

