Frequently Asked Questions

DreamzAR is an AI-powered landscape visualization app. You upload a photo of your yard (front yard, backyard, patio, etc.), and our AI generates realistic visualizations of how different landscaping styles, plants, and features could look in your actual space. It's like a 'virtual try-on' for your outdoor areas—helping you explore ideas and make confident decisions before spending money on real landscaping.

Our AI analyzes your uploaded photo to understand the space—identifying existing elements like your house, lawn, trees, and hardscape. You then describe what you want (or choose from style presets), and the AI generates a photorealistic visualization showing your yard transformed with those changes. The result looks like an actual photo of your yard with the new landscaping, not a cartoon or sketch.

DreamzAR can visualize a wide range of landscaping styles and features including: garden styles (Japanese zen, modern minimalist, cottage garden, tropical, Mediterranean, etc.), hardscape elements (patios, walkways, retaining walls, driveways), landscape features (fire pits, pergolas, water features, outdoor kitchens), plantings (flower beds, shrubs, trees, lawn alternatives), and lighting concepts. You can describe almost any outdoor transformation you can imagine.

Yes! DreamzAR works with any outdoor photo—front yards, backyards, side yards, patios, decks, pool areas, driveways, and more. You can upload photos of different areas and generate separate visualizations for each space.

Free users get a limited number of generations to try the app. Paid subscribers get significantly more generations per month, allowing you to explore multiple ideas, iterate on designs, and visualize different areas of your property. Check our pricing page for current limits.

Yes. DreamzAR saves your generated designs so you can revisit them, compare different options side-by-side, and share them with family members, contractors, or landscapers. This is especially helpful when deciding between multiple design directions.

Yes, DreamzAR is available as a native iOS app for iPhone and iPad. We also have a web app at landscaping-ideas.dreamzar.app that works on any device with a browser, including Android phones and desktop computers.

Absolutely. DreamzAR has a 'Chat with AI' feature where you can describe your vision in plain English. Say things like 'Add a Japanese zen garden with a stone path, bamboo, and a small water feature' or 'Make this look like a modern minimalist yard with ornamental grasses and a fire pit.' The AI interprets your description and generates a matching visualization.

No. DreamzAR generates visual inspiration and concept images—not technical blueprints, CAD drawings, or construction plans. Our visualizations help you explore ideas and communicate your vision, but you'll still need a landscape designer or contractor to create actual installation plans with measurements, grading, drainage, and plant specifications.

Not precisely. While we can show you concepts like 'Japanese maple' or 'ornamental grasses' in visualizations, the AI doesn't specify exact cultivars, sizes, or quantities. It also doesn't know your specific USDA hardiness zone, soil conditions, or microclimate. For plant selection, consult a local nursery or landscape professional who understands your specific conditions.

No—and anyone who promises this is misleading you. Our visualizations are concept images to help you explore ideas. Real landscaping involves many variables the AI can't account for: exact plant sizes and growth rates, how materials weather over time, seasonal changes, lighting conditions, and installation quality. Use our visualizations for inspiration and direction, not as an exact preview of the finished project.

No. Landscaping costs vary enormously by region, contractor, material quality, site conditions, and project complexity. A project that costs $5,000 in one area might cost $15,000 in another. For accurate estimates, get quotes from local landscaping contractors based on your specific project requirements.

No. Irrigation and drainage are technical systems requiring professional design based on water pressure, soil percolation rates, grading, and local codes. DreamzAR visualizes the aesthetic result, not the infrastructure underneath. Always consult professionals for these critical systems.

The AI has general knowledge about plants and styles, but it doesn't automatically know your specific climate zone, frost dates, rainfall patterns, or local conditions. A tropical visualization might look beautiful, but those plants may not survive your winters. Always verify plant choices with local experts or resources like your cooperative extension service.

No—and we don't try to. Professional landscape designers bring expertise in site analysis, grading, drainage, plant selection for your specific conditions, construction methods, and project management. DreamzAR is a tool to help you explore ideas, communicate your vision, and make more informed decisions. Many users find it valuable to bring DreamzAR visualizations to their landscape designer as a starting point for professional design.

DreamzAR is specifically designed for outdoor/landscape visualization. While the AI might generate something for an interior photo, it's not optimized for that purpose and results will be unpredictable. We focus on doing outdoor visualization well rather than doing everything poorly.

The best photos are: 1) Taken in good daylight (not too bright, not too dark), 2) Shot straight-on showing the area you want to transform, 3) Clear and in focus, 4) Showing enough context (house, boundaries, existing features). Avoid photos taken at extreme angles, in heavy shadows, or with major obstructions. The better your input photo, the better your visualization will be.

More specific usually means better results. Instead of 'make it look nice,' try 'Add a curved flagstone patio with a built-in fire pit, surrounded by low ornamental grasses and lavender, with string lights overhead.' Include style references, specific features, plant types, and materials. The AI responds well to detailed, descriptive prompts.

Yes! If a visualization isn't quite right, you can generate variations or refine your description. Try adding more detail, changing specific elements, or asking for a different style entirely. Design is iterative—expect to generate multiple options before finding what resonates.

DreamzAR allows you to save and export your visualizations. You can share images directly, save them to your photo library, or show them on your device. Many users bring their DreamzAR visualizations to contractor consultations as a starting point for discussion.

Browse our Landscaping Ideas section for inspiration! We have pages for different styles (Japanese zen, modern minimalist, cottage garden, etc.), yard areas (front yard, backyard, patio), and features (fire pits, pools, walkways). Each includes example prompts you can copy and use directly in the app.

DreamzAR offers a free tier that lets you try the app with a limited number of generations. This lets you experience the quality of our AI visualizations before committing. For unlimited or expanded use, we offer paid subscription plans.

Paid subscribers get more monthly generations, priority processing, access to all features, and the ability to save more designs. Specific limits depend on the plan you choose. Check our pricing page for current offerings.

Yes. Subscriptions can be cancelled anytime through the App Store (for iOS) or your account settings (for web). You'll retain access until the end of your current billing period. We don't do contracts or cancellation fees.

No, monthly generations reset each billing cycle and don't roll over. This keeps our pricing simple and sustainable.

For iOS app purchases, refunds are handled through Apple according to their policies. For web subscriptions, contact our support team within 7 days of purchase if you're unsatisfied and we'll work with you on a resolution.

Your photos are processed by our AI to generate visualizations and are stored securely to enable features like saving designs and regenerating variations. We don't sell your photos or use them for advertising. We don't share identifiable photos with third parties except as necessary to provide the service. See our privacy policy for complete details.

We may use anonymized, aggregated data to improve our AI models, but we don't use your personal, identifiable photos for training without explicit consent. Your specific home photos remain your private data.

The iOS app requires iOS 15 or later and works on iPhone and iPad. The web app works on modern browsers (Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge) on any device. For best results, we recommend using a device with a good camera for taking photos and a reasonably fast internet connection.

Most visualizations generate in 30-90 seconds, depending on complexity and current server load. Paid subscribers typically experience faster processing times due to priority queuing.

Yes. You can request account deletion through the app settings or by contacting support. We'll delete your account and associated data in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable laws.

Landscaping costs vary enormously: a simple planting refresh might cost $500-2,000, a new patio $3,000-15,000, and a full landscape renovation $15,000-100,000+. Costs depend on your region, project scope, materials, and contractor. Always get multiple quotes for your specific project. DreamzAR helps you visualize ideas before you invest, potentially saving money by avoiding designs you won't love.

It depends on project complexity and your skills. DIY works well for: planting beds, simple garden features, container gardens, and cosmetic updates. Hire professionals for: major hardscaping, grading/drainage issues, retaining walls, irrigation systems, or complex designs. DreamzAR is valuable for both paths—DIYers use it to plan projects, and those hiring professionals use it to communicate their vision.

Generally: Spring and fall are best for planting in most climates (moderate temperatures, natural rainfall). Summer works for hardscaping if you can water new plants diligently. Winter is good for planning and hardscape installation in mild climates. Avoid planting during extreme heat, cold, or drought. Start your DreamzAR visualization anytime—planning ahead means you're ready when the right season arrives.

Tips for finding quality contractors: 1) Get referrals from neighbors with work you admire, 2) Check reviews on Google, Yelp, and Houzz, 3) Verify licensing and insurance, 4) Get 3+ written quotes, 5) Ask for references and photos of past work, 6) Be wary of very low bids or demands for large upfront payments. Bringing DreamzAR visualizations to consultations helps contractors understand your vision and provide accurate quotes.

Hardscape refers to the 'hard' built elements: patios, walkways, walls, driveways, decks, pergolas. Softscape refers to the living elements: plants, trees, shrubs, lawn, flowers. Good landscape design balances both—hardscape provides structure and function, softscape adds life and seasonal interest. DreamzAR can visualize both types of changes to your yard.

Sustainable landscaping strategies include: choosing native plants adapted to your climate, reducing lawn area, using efficient drip irrigation, creating rain gardens to capture runoff, composting yard waste, avoiding chemical pesticides and fertilizers, and incorporating pollinator-friendly plants. Browse our drought-tolerant and native plant style pages for inspiration.

Try these fixes: 1) Use a clearer, better-lit photo, 2) Make your description more specific, 3) Try a different angle or photo of the same area, 4) Generate multiple variations, 5) Simplify your request (fewer changes at once). AI visualization works best with good input—both photo quality and description clarity matter.

Common solutions: 1) Check your internet connection, 2) Close and reopen the app, 3) Update to the latest app version, 4) Restart your device, 5) Try again during off-peak hours. If problems persist, contact our support team with details about your device and the issue.

Saved designs are stored in your account. Make sure you're logged in with the same account you used when creating the designs. If using the web app, check that you haven't cleared browser data. Contact support if designs are missing and you're sure you're in the right account.

You can reach our support team through the app (Settings → Support), through our website contact form, or by email. We typically respond within 24-48 hours on business days.