I took cad in an actual class..like 15+ years ago :). Cad can be rather complicated. You will need video class or I suggest a go to class system to ask questions. Out here in california we can go to different community colleges for classes. I don't know what the system is up there but I would look outside your area and make sure it has discussions. There is a bit of a learning curve for cad..but worth it.. I use it daily.

I resumed my college career in 2007. Although I managed a 3.64 GPA, the best I could do in the CAD class I took was a "C". The kids next to me would do their homework while the instructor lectured. I have never felt more depressed by anything I've ever attempted than that class. You either have the math gene or you don't. I hire out all my math now.

I know a lot of LA's use Sketchup so you might look into that. There are tutorials on Youtube. Enough people use it that you might find someone to tutor you locally.

Thanks so much I will look into that. Sounds like something that is do-able.

Many community colleges in California have courses in AutoCAD, Revit, and other design programs within their architecture or interior design departments. It's a really inexpensive way to learn new skills. That said, many schools have prerequisites, e.g. you might have to take a hand drafting class before you take AutoCAD. I find video tutorials less appealing, personally. Unless you have two screens on your computer, it's annoying to keep toggling back and forth between the lesson and your work.

If that doesn't work for you, there are loads of service providers who teach CAD skills and Sketch-up in small classroom settings. But that will cost you. Much more expensive than community college.

With the exception of Sketchup, most professional CAD programs have a huge learning curve. I just cannot imagine attempting to become proficient with one successfully online. They also tend to be pretty darn expensive as well so keep that in mind wrt what software you select (avoid the free stuff offered online - this is very much a case of you get what you pay for!!)

Personally, I'd look into what horticultural ed programs are available in your area and see what CAD classes they offer. I think what you will need to do is decide how important this skill is in your design career and proceed accordingly :-) If you intend to be a professional designer and generate a lot of drawings/plans, then look into a professional caliber software and a class to support it. (DynaScape or VectorWorks are the CAD programs used most frequently in local hort programs).

When I got my degree maybe 20 years ago now, CAD was not an option and was rarely taught outside of architecture or engineering programs. And since I had learned hand drafting way back in the days before CAD existed, I just kept on producing hand drawn plans. Very time consuming and without the ability to make easy and quick changes. And very limited in producing elevations, perspectives or more pictorial renderings without a lot of artistic ability. But certainly doable :-) And cheap!!

The thing about software is that it is a tool only. It’s very much GIGO. You have to be able to do it by hand with pencil for you to be able to do it with software.

Software does not increase the capabilities of the wielder of the tool. It just enables them to make bigger mistakes much faster. It’s the brain behind the software that is the important part of the equation.

Train the brain, and worry less about the tool until the brain has more training than 2 horticulture classes. You’re not ready for an advanced tool until you have mastered a lot more basic knowledge and skills. Including how to draw to scale by hand.

You may wish to check out Chief Architect. It's a very powerful package that includes landscaping capabilities. This program provides full 3D modeling capabilities and has two rendering systems to generate reasonably good photo realistic renderings. 3D Models can also be exported in many 3D formats for use further manipulation in other specialized rendering programs. A big advantage of this type of program is that it can easily handle any type of structure within the plan whether it be a deck, shed or the entire house. You can download the trial version, no time limit except that you can not save your work.

I can teach myself new programs pretty easily but I was totally stumped by CAD until I had first taken a hand drafting class. At the end of the day, what you want is to essentially be able to do manual drafting but in a computer environment. I'd certainly advise finding a hand drafting course at a community college or similar resource before diving into any CAD platform. Beyond the basics, learning things like line weight will make your CAD drawings look 100x better than anyone else's.

Sketchup is great for 3D, but pretty clunky for 2D plan drafting compared to other options. We use AutoCAD LT because that's what I learned in my interior design classes 14 years ago. It sucks to learn but is wicked fast once you're proficient. A lot of landscape design-build firms are looking for DynaScape proficiency. Depending on what aspect of the business you want to go after, it may be worth seeing what firms in your area are using.

Thank you so much for the great advice. Most appreciated.

I have used all the software programs mentioned above...CAD, Sketch Up, Dynascapes, Green Thumb & by far I have found Real Time Architect to be superior for landscape design. Especially for 3D animation.

Thank you so much for the advice. I will check out Real time Architect for sure.

If you want to pursue AutoCAD, I would suggest https://www.cadtrainingonline.com/

Small class online training...