Using Free Software to Plan Your Landscape

By Aazdak Alisimo

Computers are truly changing our world. Who would have thought we would one day be using computer programs to work on our landscaping?

Freeware is computer software that is copyrighted, but made available by its owners for an unlimited amount of time and for no charge to selected users. If there is any charge for the use of the software or even any requirement to view advertisements or provide confidential information, it is not considered freeware. There is a large number of landscaping freeware programs available.

Landscaping freeware is specifically designed to assist the homeowner in formulating and visualizing a landscaping design. The best programs bring the magic of computer graphics right into your home allowing you to create a 3D image of your home and yard. Once the image has been created, various items such as trees, plants, gardens, and even rocks or statues can be placed in the design. The items can be moved around easily until you are satisfied with the plan.

The programs allow the project to be viewed from all angles including overhead. Some of the landscaping freeware programs have "aging" features. This amazing bit of technology shows your landscape design changing as the years pass and trees and plants grow to maturity. Potential design problems can be anticipated with the aging programs and the design altered to eliminate them.

When the design has been tinkered with to your hearts content and you feel you have exactly the look you were aiming for in your imagination, you can print out detailed plans that can be submitted to contractors for bids. The program will even print out a material list giving the number and type of plants required in the design. The landscaping freeware programs and the plans that can be produced on them are of value even when you are planning on using the services of a Landscape Designer. The first step in the Landscape Design Services agenda is usually the formulation of goals. The freeware plan does this perfectly and visually allowing the designer to have a perfect starting place for suggestions and alternative ideas.

Landscaping freeware should not be confused with shareware or purchased design programs. These are also available but at a cost or with conditions. There is nothing wrong with them, but the consumer should understand the cost involved and be aware that freeware might also be available for download. Landscaping freeware is an example of how computer technology can be used to enhance certain parts of our life that have been part of the human experience since the dawn of time. It is quite possible that cavemen decorated the mouths of their caves, but they lacked anyway to actually see their ideas before the work was actually finished. Landscaping freeware has made this possible for us. - 30228

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