Author Archives: Tobi Ulemek

About Tobi Ulemek

Hi! I've been an Orange County Landscaper since I was a kid when I got to use my first lawnmower. TRU Landscape has grown a lot since then, and now we do so much more than residential and commercial maintenance. We are a full service landscape construction company that builds hardscape, installs patio areas, and makes custom concrete products like outdoor fireplaces and fire pits.

Orange County Landscape Lighting

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TRU Landscape Services offers a full line of LED lights that can save up to 80% of electricity
usage with a 50,000 hour lamp life to help homeowners save green by going green.

Santa Ana, CA – Whether entertaining guests, lounging by an outdoor fireplace, sipping cider while
enjoying the brisk air, or enjoying an early sunset, fall is the perfect time to escape to an outdoor
retreat.

Landscape lighting can bring outdoor spaces to life after the sun goes down. Although in the past,
landscape lighting was primarily used to provide security at night, today’s homeowners know it can do
much more. Outdoor lighting can highlight a home’s architecture, create a stunning first impression,
transform gardens and pathways into beautiful creations, extend the time spent outdoors, and add a
resort-like feeling.

The latest fall trends include LED (Light Emitting Diode) outdoor lighting, an eco-friendly statement
of style and one of the most dramatic improvements a homeowner can add to their landscaping.
Renewable energy for the home has become a hot trend sweeping the nation in the last decade and
outdoor lighting is no exception.

“Contemporary LED lighting systems are a smart investment and the future of landscape lighting,”
says Tobi Ulemek, owner of TRU Landscape Services. “Professionally installed and maintained outdoor
LED landscape lighting systems increases the safety and beauty of a home or business while adding
resale value at the same time. LED lighting also offers energy efficient illumination that uses a fraction
of the power consumption of similar traditional incandescent fixtures and will outlive its incandescent
counterparts by decades.”

Not only is LED landscape lighting about 80% more efficient, LEDs work silently without emitting noise,
do not contain dangerous substances like mercury, and come in a wide variety of sizes and colors.

With 25 years of experience in providing landscape lighting, TRU Landscape Service can help
homeowners find the perfect solutions to deter intruders by eliminating dark areas and shadows as
well as provide a refuge for relaxation after dark with the latest state-of-the-art lighting products.
Their installers are trained and educated about each product and all their landscaping products are
guaranteed to last.

To learn more about our company where perfection is the only option, please visit their website
www.trulandscape.com

About TRU Landscape Services

TRU Landscape Services is a licensed, bonded, and insured landscaping contractor in Orange County. As
an industry leader in superior landscaping, they take customer service to a new level. TRU Landscape
Services offers a wide range of competitive landscape services that include general landscape
construction, hardscape construction, water features, ponds, putting greens, low voltage lighting,

Landscape Orange County

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Landscape Orange County

TRU Landscape Services was called out to a customer’s house in Yorba Linda. This customer hired us a few years back to install Synthetic Turf in their backyard. They were now ready to landscape their front yard. They called us out for a free estimate and together we designed the front yard. The husband had an idea of what they wanted. They wanted Interlocking Pavers and Synthetic Turf installed. We began by removing the old grass.

Orange County Pavers

After removing the old grass we dug down the front yard roughly 4” inches deep. This would allow for us to install a base product. A base product will give the pavers and artificial turf a firm foundation. Some contractors will skip this process or install a small amount of base, but beware because by avoiding the base your pavers or synthetic turf could fail in the future. Most of the time it takes a

couple of years before you start noticing any problems, by this time the company is out of business. A fine point to keep in mind when your looking at hiring a landscape company is how many years they have been in business and Please check the contractor license number with the State of California, State license Board (CSLB).

Orange County Synthetic Turf

TRU Landscape Services installed the base to the proper compaction and leveled it out. After doing this we install a landscape fabric to block any future weeds from growing back through the Synthetic Turf. Then we installed the artificial grass. The synthetic turf we installed in the front yard matched the synthetic turf we installed in the backyard. This was extra nice for the customer. The Artificial Turf was installed and the customer was very happy!!

Orange county Landscape Company

TRU Landscape Services has been performing landscape services throughout Orange County, California for the last 25 years. We offer competitive landscape contracting services including general landscape construction, hardscape construction, water features, ponds, Putting Greens, we also offer Low Voltage Lighting, Synthetic Turf, Fire Pits, plus many other services.

Please call TRU Landscape Services toll free at : 866-487-1359

Irvine Landscape Company

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TRU Landscape Services just completed a project in Irvine, California. This install, was a really fun project!! It was a smaller project so the turn around was fast. We enjoy doing projects of all sizes.

Orange County Landscape

First, we graded all of the dirt for the new flagstone. We always like to install the flagstone to a slab of concrete. Some companies will try and talk you into a sand base for flagstone. The sand base will eventually wash out and your stones will move. After pouring the concrete base we started installing the flagstone. Our customers went down to one of our local suppliers and chose the stone themselves. We suggested a couple different stones. They ended up choosing one of our favorites, Arizona flagstone.

When one crew was installing the flagstone another crew was installing a planter wall. After we completed the wall we moved onto the Synthetic turf.

Orange County Synthetic Turf

Our crew installed the Synthetic turf in one day and it turned out really nice. The customers were happy. With the artificial turf installed we moved onto installing the interlocking pavers.

Orange County Pavers

Once again our crew finished in one day. One of the best things about TRU Landscape Services is that we can install almost anything that is outdoors. For a property owner to setup different companies for each one of these projects would cost a lot more then it cost to hire us. If our crew is already at your property installing one project, we can cut our normal rates to do all of your projects. We can cut these rates because we use less fuel and can have our crew working on several projects at once. If your looking for a new landscape or to update an older property, call TRU Landscape Services for a free estimate.

Irvine Landscape Company

Please call TRU Landscape Services toll free at : 866-487-1359

Orange County Hard Scape

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Hardscape has become the new buzz word for homeowners. The term refers to landscaping features constructed from inorganic materials and can include driveways, patios, walkways, water features, fire pits, and planters. While landscape installation may have been affected by the housing slowdown, homeowners have developed a deep love for their outdoor spaces and the hardscape business has remained relatively strong.

“We’ve seen an increase in hardscaping including larger patio spaces, outdoor kitchens, and fireplaces,” says Tobi Ulemek, president of TRU Landscape Services. “Our customers are telling us they don’t want a yard that demands high maintenance. We recently finished a job with a large concrete slab throughout the backyard which created a contemporary look we’re noticing is becoming more popular.”

No wonder hardscape is becoming a key component to an inviting outdoor sanctuary. Adding an outdoor kitchen allows families to entertain outside, drinking coffee on a patio is a peaceful way to start the day, winding through a garden walkway is always a pleasure, and an outdoor fireplace is pure tranquility after a hard day at work. In addition, hardscape conserves water, adds value to a property, and can divide areas for different purposes.

Material selection is important. A wide variety of choices are available to complement any home. For example, brick, stonework, or pavers can be used for a classic, elegant, or natural look or a contemporary look can be achieved by using concrete to establish stark contrasts and clean lines.

Homeowners should plan and install hardscape first before they begin planting. “Keep in mind all the possibilities when designing an outdoor space now and for the future,” advices Tobi. ”Homeowners should envision different options they would like to add over the years. If it isn’t feasible to complete the entire project at once, the features can be added later as their budget allows.”

TRU Landscape stays up to date on all the materials, methods, and latest trends. They carefully listen to homeowners’ ideas and build on them to create an individualized beautiful retreat. With 25 years of landscaping experience and specialized teams, TRU Landscape can care for all of a homeowner’s outdoors needs. To see samples of their work and learn more about this unique company,

Landscape Orange County

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Landscape Orange County

TRU Landscape Services has had a busy summer! We have finished many projects this summer and have many more on the books. We have been installing allot of different landscape projects. Our landscaping project consist of Koi Ponds, concrete work (hard scaping), Block walls, Landscape Lighting, New lawns, and sprinklers. You name it and we have done it this summer! We have worked in almost every city in Orange County.

Our most recent project was in Anaheim Hills. Anaheim Hills is surrounded by the cities of Orange, and Yorba Linda. The first thing we did is demo all of the landscaping and remove all of the concrete in the front & back yards. The next step was to lay out all of the borders for the new concrete patio, walkways, and driveway. Next we installed the concrete, we installed this concrete in two sections. First we poured the back and side yards, most of these areas were having stone installed on top of them. This is a area you need to keep an eye on your contractor, a lot of contractors will install 2” inches of concrete and then tell you the stone makes up another 2 “ inches. With 25 years of experience we have found that pouring a full concrete slab is a lot stronger.

Orange County Concrete

TRU Landscape Services is a complete landscape company. On our busy months, we will install as much concrete or more then your typical concrete company. After installing the concrete in the back yard, we separated our crews and one crew began installing the flagstone in the back yard. Well another crew started setting the concrete forms for a concrete ribbon. These ribbon borders ran around the complete outside of the front yard and driveway. This is a economical way of sprucing up your driveway. The great thing about concrete borders is that you can cut your old driveway and install new ribbons. Ribbons can be made out of many different materials. We have installed Interlocking pavers, Flagstone, and Slate to mention a few different ideas. This ribbon was installed in a color concrete. Which makes the main color of the driveway stand out even more. After finishing the ribbons we installed the main driveway. The customers loved the finished product. If you would like to add some concrete ribbons to your driveway or just replace the whole driveway, please contact us for a free estimate.

Orange County Landscape Company

Please call TRU Landscape Services toll free at : 866-487-1359

Orange County Landscaper

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Orange County Landscaper

TRU Landscape Services was recently awarded for completing a landscape project in Anaheim, California. Anaheim sits in the Northern part of Orange County, surrounded by the cities of Orange, Cypress and Yorba Linda. At the time, our customer was looking for a quality landscape design that would fall within a decent price range of his budget. Once we investigated the property’s layout, we began to brainstorm around some great, innovative ideas. Given that our customer already had a large pond in their back yard, we were able to reconstruct a new and improved pond-less waterfall. A pond-less waterfall is when the water actually runs underground but then resurfaces in a cyclical motion as it is pumped back up to the waterfall; these types of ponds require easy maintenance and are kid friendly.

Orange County Fire Pit

In addition, TRU Landscape Services also built and implemented a fire pit in front of the water falls. Our first task was to install a new gas line. After successfully finishing the gas line installation, we began working on the fire pit. This particular fire pit was a 24’ inches and styled in a round fashion. We installed stucco on the sides of it as well as flagstone cap. Next, we implemented lava rock within the middle of the fire pit. Our wide array of designs allows for personal customization and fine detail. When the fire pit construction is complete, we had our crews hard to work on the block wall that was falling over. Within a couple of days, we finalized the installation for a new block wall. We enjoy working on these kinds of projects since we have been providing hardscapes to Orange County for over 20 years.

Orange County Concrete

Lastly, our customers communicated to us they did not want a yard that demanded high maintenance. Therefore, we suggested full concrete installation throughout the entire back yard. In terms of receiving a great deal on upgrades, one of our best offers is to add color to the concrete; the color truly puts a nice, smooth touch to the concrete. Finishing the project, we realized the concrete really brought this whole activity together. Our customer was very happy about the end result and ecstatic about the entire project overall. Once we completed our assignment, the customer mentioned to us that he received an estimate from another landscape company that was going to charge several thousand dollars more for same job. The main deciding factor in selecting TRU Landscape Services for their project was that we conducted all of our work with our own, specialized crews. If you’re also in need for a qualified landscape contractor , please contact us out for a free estimate throughout Orange County.

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Please call TRU Landscape Services toll free at : 866-487-1359

Blog’s by TM

Commercial Landscape Maintenance

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Commercial Landscape Maintenance

TRU Landscape Services was called out to one of our Landscape Maintenance accounts, they called because they had water running up through the parking lot. After we ran some tests on the sprinkler systems we determined that it was a broken water main. Our client could have called a plumber at this point, but they decided to move forward and have us find and fix the water leak. We have had this maintenance contract for a few years and have built a good rapport with this company. We take care of different properties through out Orange County for this company. When they have a problem they know they can count on TRU Landscape Services in that we will take care of the situation in a prompt and professional manner.

Orange County Irrigation

This water main was leaking a lot of water into the parking lot. The problem was that there were several water mains at this location. So, first we had to do leak detection. We have a company we’ve been using for several years that we fully trust. After they located the leak we saw cut the parking lot and broke up the parking lot asphalt. Now that the parking lot was broke up, we loaded and hauled the asphalt to a company for recycling. TRU Landscape Services takes pride in recycling as much product as possible. Now, it was time to dig down and find the broken pipe. Our crew made fast work of finding the leak. At this point we cut the pipes open, drained the water out and made the repair. These breaks were able to use glue fittings. If the pipe was full of water we would’ve used a different repair, called a compression fitting. The benefit of a compression fitting is that when you make the repair you can turn the water back on. With glue joint repair we would have had to wait several hours before we turned the water back on. TRU Landscape Services has been making quality irrigation repairs in Orange County for over 20 years.

Parking Lot Repair

Now that the irrigation repair was made, we needed to repair the huge area of parking lot that we removed. TRU Landscape Services has an Asphalt Company that we’ve been doing business with for several years. We gave them a call and they sent out a crew the next day and did a high quality repair. After they were done making the repair, we sent out our crew to double check the site and make sure it was nice and clean. By TRU Landscape Services having these working relationships with many other companies, makes the whole process easier and more efficient for our customers. Call today for a free estimate on your irrigation system.

Orange County Landscape Company

Cypress Landscape Project

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Cypress Landscape Project

TRU Landscape Services just finished a project in Cypress. Cypress is a city right on the border of Orange County and Los Angeles County. These were the perfect customers to work for. They knew what they wanted and had a good idea about how much money it would cost to achieve their landscape dream. This project is what our company is geared for, complete landscape construction. The first part of the work was to remove everything from the back yard. We demoed the existing concrete, patio cover and the existing sod. We could have removed the front yard at the same time, but the customers wouldn’t have a driveway to park, so we waited. After removing the back yard we installed the new footings for the patio cover and several pipes including the new gas line. We installed a new gas line for the new BBQ and Fire Pit. After installing all of the pipes we started forming for the concrete.

Cypress Concrete Install

TRU Landscape Services can provide all of your outdoor needs including concrete work. We designed this entire back yard. After forming up the outer edges of the concrete, we laid out the Barbeque design and the location of the Fire Pit. We always get the customers approval before moving forward. After the customer gave us their approval, we poured the back yard concrete. The back yard concrete was a Roman Stamp with 2 different colors in the concrete. The pour went, just as planned. Even though we are a landscape contractor we install concrete on a weekly basis. As one crew was installing the concrete, another crew was working on the planter wall. This planter wall had a concrete cap poured in place with Stack Stone on the side. This is a very detailed wall to build, but our crew did a great job!!

Cypress Hardscape Install

This project had a lot of hardscape. TRU Landscape Services installed the BBQ, planter walls, fireplace, Stack Stone and landscape curbing. All of these services are very detailed. Our crews did great work on all of these projects. As we mentioned earlier we designed this entire project, but we continued to meet with the customers on a regular basis. Every morning that we had a new install to the hardscape, we would call the day before and have our customers meet with us, it took about 10-15 minutes. If the customer presents us a set of blue prints, we still like to meet on a regular basis. When we are dealing with concrete it’s always better to meet for a few minutes then have to tear out the project and start over. The great thing is that our customers didn’t have to hire more than one company. During one meeting with our customers they mentioned they wanted all new windows, so we gave them a phone number of a company we have used in the past. It turned out that, that company was a little cheaper than the estimate they already had, so they went with our referral and the customers were very satisfied. We also referred a painting company we have used in the past, they loved his work. It takes one call – one company and that’s TRU Landscape Services. We take pride in every detail. Call today if you have any questions about hardscaping.

Orange County Patio Cover

TRU Landscape Services installed the wood patio cover in Cypress. This patio cover has an enclosed roof, which means you can enjoy it all year round. Under this patio cover is the BBQ which means if it’s raining out you can still enjoy a hamburger. We primed and painted the entire patio cover. TRU Landscape Services installs several different styles of patio covers.

Orange County Driveways

After finishing the back yard we moved to the front yard. In the front yard our customers chose a Slate Stamp for the driveway. This stamp looks like a versai pattern. At the same time we were installing the driveway our crew’s were starting the stucco install on the entire house, and the install of the new front entry way. TRU Landscape Services also installed the front of the house with stack stone. The customers were involved with the type of stone & color, we did help guide them in this process.

Orange County Landscape Company

Yorba Linda Landscape

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Yorba Linda Landscape

TRU Landscape Services is currently working in the city of Yorba Linda. This project involves two different projects. The first project, we are installing some yard drains. The second project, is to install some Synthetic Turf. We were called out to give an estimate for some drains that were clogged and/or were not working well. When we were looking at some drains in the grass area we noticed how bad the grass looked. It was really surprising because these customers are really into there plants. But in their defense, it was a small area of grass and they have a large dog. The grass was getting really beat up from the dog. Plus, it looked as if the grass was getting too much water. When the grass gets too much water on top of any dog running around on it, your going to end up with a muddy situation. We advised the customer that this was a perfect yard for Synthetic Turf. They agreed, but said that they priced the fake grass and it was too much money. We then explained to our customer how this was a perfect example of how we could save them money. The reason we can save them money is because we can install the drains and the Waterless Grass at the same time. Suddenly the project went from a small job to a medium size job for our company. In return for our customer we lowered our price for the Synthetic Turf, allowing them to get both projects finished, everyone was happy!

Orange County Synthetic Turf

TRU Landscape Services has been installing Synthetic Turf for the last 8 years in Orange County. We have had the same installers for the same amount of time. We only install Synthetic Turf that is made in the USA and is lead free. Our manufacture has been in business for several years. The amount of water that Synthetic Turf saves is unbelievable. The average house in Orange County uses ¾ of there monthly water usage, outside for there landscape. Most water agencies are raising there price on water to record levels. Our main water sources are at record lows. Help save water now. Call today for a free estimate.

Orange County Drains

The drains at this project have some major problems. Over several years of different companies working on the customers drains, they now have a maze of pipes running in all directions with no rhyme or reason. After running a complete check of the drain system, we decide it would be best not to get involved in the existing drain system. So we installed a new drain pipe in the area our customer was having a problem with. There are many different types of drain pipes we can use. We have found over many years of installing drains in Orange County that a SDR 35 pipe is the best for outdoor area drains. We do not use the cheap pipe sold at your local hardware store. These pipes will allow roots to grow right inside of them. The pipe we use has a glue joint that helps keep the roots out. Call us out today and let us design you a quality outdoor drain system.

Orange County Landscaper

Southern California Landscape

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Orange County Landscape

TRU Landscape Services just completed a landscape project in Aliso Viejo. Aliso Viejo is a city in Orange County, California. This city is surrounded by the city of Laguna Beach and the city of Laguna Niguel.
TRU Landscape Services works in all of the cities of Orange County, California. This project involved many different aspects of landscaping. We installed a free standing arbor (patio cover). We installed new concrete for the arbor and for the sitting area around the arbor. After being awarded the project, we had to summit our plans to the City for approval. Getting approval took about a week, then we began the project.

Orange County Patio Cover

To begin this project we had to haul out roughly 15 yards of dirt. We had to dig the footings for the patio cover. At the same time, we started leveling out the dirt for the new sitting area, which would be built out of concrete. This arbor had some serious footings. Every post had a 3 foot wide and 3 foot deep footing. First we had to remove all of the dirt and then install the rebar. Plus the whole arbor had a 2 foot wide footing. After installing the rebar and getting the inspection from the city, we poured the concrete. This arbor which is on the small side, has over 20 yards of concrete installed in the footings. This arbor is not going anywhere soon.

Orange County Concrete

TRU Landscape Services takes pride in installing the highest quality concrete in Orange County. While one of our crews was building the arbor, another crew was forming the concrete to be installed. This was a nice size concrete area. We set up all of our forms so that all of our concrete would drain to the area drains. After compacting the soil and installing the rebar we installed the concrete. We installed the concrete the next day and every thing went as planned. We were very happy with the way the concrete turned out! Our crews did a great job!

Orange County LED Lighting

Now that we had finished the first 2 major parts of this project it was time to install the LED Landscape Lighting. For this task we installed Vista Spot Light and Vista Path Lights. There are several low voltage light companies in Orange County to choose from. So why do we use Vista LED Lights? The first reason was, they were the highest quality light company that we felt comfortable enough to put our reputation on. Plus, they are a local company that makes there products in the USA. We have used there lights for over 15 years!! Plus as an extra bonus they have a 10 year warranty on their LED lights. The sales staff provides great customer service. TRU Landscape Services spends many hours on training our crews on proper lighting techniques. We know that when we finish a low voltage lighting project that our customers will get several years of satisfaction.