Build·A·Yard vs. iScape: AI designs in seconds instead of placing plants by hand

iScape lets you drag plants and hardscape onto a photo yourself. Build·A·Yard designs the whole yard with AI, checks the plants, and builds the HOA plan and proposal.

iScape is a long-standing landscape design app where you place plants and products on a photo by hand, with a large catalog and 2D/3D design on iOS. It's priced at $29.99/mo or $299.99/yr (public pricing, October 2026). Designs are built by hand: you drag and drop plants, grass and hardscape onto a photo of the yard. iScape is a long-standing app for placing plants and products on a photo by hand, with a large catalog and 2D/3D design on iOS. Build·A·Yard creates complete, realistic designs with AI in about a minute and adds zone checks, HOA plans and proposals. Pick iScape if you like placing every item by hand from a catalog. Pick Build·A·Yard if you want a complete, realistic AI design in about a minute, plus zone checks, HOA plans and proposals.

• A full design in a minute Build·A·Yard generates three complete, photo-realistic designs from one photo in about a minute.
• The HOA plan draws itself Turn a chosen design into a labeled top-down HOA plan PDF with numbered callouts in one click.
• Design before you drive Build·A·Yard can design from Google Street View or a satellite view of the address.

How much does the iScape app cost?

iScape lists $29.99/mo or $299.99/yr (public pricing, October 2026). Build·A·Yard is free to start with 5 credits a month.

What is a faster alternative to iScape?

Build·A·Yard creates a full design from a photo with AI in about a minute, and you can still swap a single plant or piece of hardscape with the Precision Editor.

Is Build·A·Yard faster than iScape?

For a full yard, usually yes. Build·A·Yard generates three complete designs in about a minute, while iScape is built around placing items by hand.

Does Build·A·Yard check plants for the climate?

Yes. It uses the property address to find the USDA zone and screens out invasive and disease-prone plants automatically.

Is Build·A·Yard free to try?

Yes. Every new account gets 5 free credits each month with no credit card, and one credit makes three designs.

Can I still change specific items?

Yes. Precision Editor swaps a specific plant or hardscape piece while keeping the rest of the design locked.