Design Software

I am looking for a good landscape design software (cad program) that allows for everything needed for design and printing, that will run on XP and a laptop. There are so many out there. Just wondering what you all may use, cost, simplicity, available options, etc. Thanks

Lawn care business tips

here are a couple http://www.prolandscape.com/ http://www.gardengraphics.com/ The Garden Graphics (Dynascape) is probably your top of the line. *It's not cheap though, close to around $2000 if I remember correctly

[NickN]

Honestly,you can do what you want with a cheap program called Punch MasterLandscape,and a little help from Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro.

[Steve]

Nick, that looks very nice.

How often do your graphic designs help you win project bids?

Originally Posted by [b

Quote[/b] (NickN @ Feb. 27 2007,7:49)]Honestly,you can do what you want with a cheap program called Punch MasterLandscape,and a little help from Photoshop or Paint Shop Pro.

Thanks, I bought the Punch! Master Landscapr Pro off Ebay yesterday, latest version, about $25.00, new. Saved some bucks. I'll see how it works, but it did seem like it will do what I need. Appreciate your input! Joe.

[Steve]

Could you show us some of your designs too?

[NickN]

I close around 80% when using the design software.When a potential customer can "see" what their landscape can look like,it really makes a difference.

[Steve]

How long does it take normally to perform these designs?

[NickN]

It took around 6 hours when I started,but I can do a front design like this in about 1 hour now.What takes time is editing the digital photo and preparing it for importing.Once that's done,it's just a matter of laying out the home and placing the plants.
It all starts at the customer home.The home needs to be measured,so that when the digital image of the home is placed in the design,everything will be to scale.The software automatically shows the designer the length of the imported photo.Then you simply adjust the length and height to match your measurements.Length is most important though.This is where you'll place you plants,so you need to know how wide and tall your plants will be at maturity.
Design software is not an easy way out.One still needs to know their plants in order for the install to look good ten years from now.

[NickN]

Here's an after shot of the install.We did that one in Feb of 06.
We ended up adding a walkway with another bed and then the customer had us landscape the back of the home as well.
The Herbert azaleas are just starting to bloom here.