How do I find good reference images if I cannot photograph the actual plant?

Use screenshots from nursery websites, gardening catalogs, or plant databases. Most have clear photos with reasonable backgrounds for removal.

How do I scale the tree accurately?

Use a known element in your yard photo, like a fence post or doorway, as a reference to calibrate the tree's height proportionally.

Can I visualize multiple trees together?

Yes. Place multiple cutouts on the same yard canvas to see how a group of trees or a mixed shrub border looks in full.

Is this useful for planning hedges and privacy screens?

Yes. Place individual shrub cutouts side by side along a fence line to visualize how the finished hedge will look and whether the spacing is right.

Can I share this with a council or planning authority?

You can export and share the visual, but it is not a formal landscape plan. For planning applications, consult a registered landscape architect.

See How Trees and Shrubs Will Look in Your Yard Before You Dig

Photograph potential trees and shrubs or use nursery reference images. Strip backgrounds and place them on a photo of your yard to check scale, spacing, and sightlines before committing to anything permanent.

Why people use it

Check whether a tree will block a view, window, or light source before planting
Visualize the scale of a mature tree relative to your home and existing garden
Plan the spacing of multiple trees or shrubs before ground is broken
See how evergreen versus deciduous choices affect the look of the yard in winter
Share a planting plan with a contractor or arborist for a more informed conversation

How it works

Photograph the tree or shrub: Take a photo at the nursery, photograph a mature specimen nearby, or use a reference image. An upright, well-lit photo gives the best cutout.
Remove the background: Upload to Canvi and the background is stripped automatically, leaving just the tree or shrub.
Place it in your yard: Upload a photo of your yard as the canvas background and drag the tree cutout into position.
Scale and evaluate: Resize the tree to reflect its approximate mature height and spread. Move it around the yard to find the best placement.

Use cases

Street tree or front garden focal point: Preview how a statement tree looks in the front garden or along the driveway before planting.
Privacy screen shrub planting: Visualize how a row of large shrubs or an evergreen hedge will screen a fence line or neighboring property.
Checking sightlines and light impact: See whether a proposed tree will block a window view, shade a garden bed, or affect solar access before making a decision.
Multi-tree composition planning: Place several tree and shrub cutouts in the yard to plan a layered planting that works at every scale.

Tips

Scale tree cutouts to mature height rather than nursery pot size for a realistic preview of long-term impact
Use multiple placements on the canvas before settling on one to explore how position changes the whole yard
Consider canopy spread as well as height when sizing the cutout on the canvas
Photograph the same tree species in summer and winter foliage if possible to see the seasonal impact
Export and share the plan with a certified arborist to check for utilities, root zone, and council requirements

Frequently asked questions

How do I find good reference images if I cannot photograph the actual plant?: Use screenshots from nursery websites, gardening catalogs, or plant databases. Most have clear photos with reasonable backgrounds for removal.
How do I scale the tree accurately?: Use a known element in your yard photo, like a fence post or doorway, as a reference to calibrate the tree's height proportionally.
Can I visualize multiple trees together?: Yes. Place multiple cutouts on the same yard canvas to see how a group of trees or a mixed shrub border looks in full.
Is this useful for planning hedges and privacy screens?: Yes. Place individual shrub cutouts side by side along a fence line to visualize how the finished hedge will look and whether the spacing is right.
Can I share this with a council or planning authority?: You can export and share the visual, but it is not a formal landscape plan. For planning applications, consult a registered landscape architect.