How To Design A Landscape Plan On SketchUp

  • Would you like to know how to design a landscape plan on SketchUp?

  • Are you planning on renovating the existing landscape architecture for your family home?

  • Does your development application require the submission of a detailed landscape plan?

No matter the reason that necessitates the development of a landscape plan, utilising suitable software used by experienced landscape designers is the secret to creating unique landscapes that add value to your property and your outdoor lifestyle.

"You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have." -- Maya Angelou, author, poet, civil rights activist

What Are The Most Popular Landscape Design Software Programs?

  1. SketchUp

  2. PRO Landscape Home

  3. Small Blueprinter Garden Planner

  4. Garden Puzzle

  5. AutoCAD

  6. Vectorworks Landmark

  7. Kerkythea

  8. Lands Design

  9. Arborgold

  10. Plan-A-Garden

  11. Garden Planner

  12. iScape App

  13. Designor Buddy

  14. VizTerra

  15. Terragen

  16. Marshalls Garden Visualizer

Though this list is by no means comprehensive, obviously there is no shortage of landscape design packages available with both free and paid options. Taking the time to research which offers the best features for your needs will help you decide on the best option for your unique requirements.

"Design is intelligence made visible." -- Alina Wheeler

How Can You Use SketchUp To Create A Landscape Plan?

If you are planning on using SketchUp for creating a 2D documentation for your landscape plan, you may have chosen the wrong software. While SketchUp Pro and SketchUp Studio offer 2D documentation, SketchUp is primarily a 3D surface modelling application that is similar to CAD modelspace.

First things first, which iteration of SketchUp do you need?

SketchUp Shop

With SketchUp for Web, unlimited cloud storage and customer support, this offers the best value for money landscape design package for amateurs and DIYers that are using SketchUp.

SketchUp Pro

Includes everything in SketchUp Shop along with a desktop option, 2D documentation and model viewing.

SketchUp Studio

Offering fast 3D modelling, powerful building performance analysis, energy and daylight analysis, a desktop client and 2D documentation this is a pro-only version with features that can complicate the process for the amateur landscape designers.

Of course, it is worth noting that there is a free 30 day trial for SketchUp which will suffice for a lot of DIYers that just need a basic modelling of their landscape plan.

"Everything is designed. Few things are designed well." -- Brian Reed, front-end developer and musician

What Are The Best Guides For Landscape Design On SketchUp?

The following manuals are available on Amazon and offer expert tips and tricks to fast-track your design process:

  • Rendering in SketchUp: From Modeling to Presentation for Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Interior Design - by Daniel Tal

  • SketchUp for Interior Design: 3D Visualizing, Designing, and Space Planning - by Lydia Cline

  • Google SketchUp for Site Design: A Guide to Modeling Site Plans, Terrain and Architecture - by Daniel Tan

  • Google Sketchup for Interior Design & Space Planning: Training Course 1. Developing Basic Skills - by Adriana Granados

  • Sketch Up Landscape design - by Shi Ying Deng

  • Google SketchUp 8 For Dummies - by Aidan Chopra

What Are The Best Video Tutorials For Landscape Design On SketchUp

There is a plethora of helpful video tutorials on YouTube that can help you to quickly and easily master the essential skills you need to create professional-looking 3D landscape models for your property. The following videos will help you to understand some basic design principals and utilise the basic components of SketchUp to design terrain and trees in no time.

Using SketchUp For Landscape Design - MassHardscaper

Use The Free Version Of SketchUp To Model Landscape Designs Created in gCADPlus - Design Cad

Landscape & Planting Options In SketchUp - The SketchUp Essentials

Using Trimble SketchUp For Landscape Design - MassHardscaper

SketchUp: Drawing Terrain & Landscapes - GeekThis


As SketchUp is a pro-level design package, there is an abundance of hidden features and design options that you will not need as a beginner. If you can focus on the essential skills to create a simple 3D model, you will quickly have the skillset to create the ideal garden plan for your needs.

"Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that's why it is so complicated." - Paul Rand, graphic designer

Should You Use SketchUp To Design A Landscape For Your Property?

This is an important point that needs to be considered. If you are using the amazing 3D modelling technology to help you envision your ideal garden space, then the feature-rich program is perfect. You can simply and easily isolate and adjust elements to help you utilise your outdoor space and choose the best design elements.

But if you are going to create a landscape plan to submit a development application, then using SketchUp might not be suitable for your needs.

Councils require specific requirements for landscape plans in order for applications to be approved. If you need a landscape plan for development approval or submission to council, you should engage the services of a professional landscape designer to ensure the success of your project.

"Styles come and go. Good design is a language, not a style." -- Massimo Vignelli, Italian designer

Who Is The Best Landscape Designer In Sydney?

Dapple Landscape Design is a boutique landscape consultancy that provides a comprehensive range of cost-effective landscape planning services for private and commercial clients in Sydney. Based in Western Sydney, the team provides online landscape design options to save you time, money and hassle.

Each garden plan provided by the team is custom-designed to provide you with the style and aesthetic you desire.

If you would like to fast track the development of your garden plan, visit the company website today. Julian Saw, the principal landscape designer at Dapple Landscape Design, will take the time to understand the unique requirements and budget of your project in order to provide you with a landscape plan that surpasses your expectations.

Dapple Landscape Design

Address: Ellison Rd, Springwood NSW 2777

Phone: 0406 825 430

Website: https://www.dapplelandscapedesign.com.au/