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.

He’s the Pavers Pug! | Orange Count Pavers

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Orange County Pavers Installation

done by the cutest puppy in town

Meet the Pavers Pug! He’s been working for TRU Landscape as a little landscape construction worker for a few months now and he really wants to tell you more about our fabulous pavers installation. What makes TRU Landscape’s pavers walkways, driveways and patios stand out?

disclaimer: no animals were actually used by TRU Landscape Services for Masonry installation or any other labor

“Hello! I’m the Pavers Pug. I’ve dedicated my puppy dog life to installing perfect pavers walkways, driveways and patios. Today, I want to give you an overview of the awesome process of pavers installation starting with great materials, and ending expert craftsmanship and design.

Quality Paving Materials

Here at TRU Landscape Services, we take pride in our work and use the best possible materials for every job. Every good Orange County Pavers job starts with Orco Block and Hardscape. They are our supplier for the best in quality and color.

We can walk you through the different colors and patterns available and help you make an informed decision. Whatever your needs or the style of your home, there are Orco pavers just for you! Here’s a recent installation that was done to match existing pavers walkways and a patio. This is an “in progress” photo. The walkway is already looking pretty great even without the planter beds and refreshed front lawn.

Best Pavers Installation Company

In order to provide you with a truly great landscape installation, we take the time necessary to do the job right the first time. First, our skilled crews ensure that your walkways and driveways are leveled and graded properly. This ensures that water runs toward the drains and doesn’t gather on the pavers installation.

Second, the pavers are placed tight together on the right type of foundation to ensure that cracks are sealed. You won’t have a cheap job with cracks and weeds growing through. This is the quality that we hope to achieve with each installation.

Orange County Landscape Company

“I may just be a pug, but I know one thing: TRU Landscape’s got your back. Well, I mean your backyard. And your front yard. We’ve got it all taken care of. If it’s outdoors, we do it.

Everything from pavers to patios, firepits to pool decks, lawns to fireplaces can be installed for you by our landscape company. The company’s been taking care of yards throughout Orange County for nearly 30 years, and we plan to keep on making lawns a better place for years to come. But you don’t have to take my word for it.

Just check out the gallery of past projects, and you’ll see that TRU Landscape Services is a landscape company who doesn’t mess around. We are dedicated to quality and that shows.

Backyard Landscaping Remodel Videos!

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Watch our last few remodel videos here: TRU Landscape is doing projects all around Orange County right now! Here is a recap of our latest landscape remodels in Costa Mesa, Garden Grove, Westminster, and Anaheim California.

Costa Mesa Backyard Remodel

A fully renovated backyard space, now including beautiful benches, perfect pavers, and a custom firepit worth talking about! Costa Mesa Landscaping at its finest.

For more information on this Orange County landscape project, check out these other blogs:

Modern Backyard Remodel

Outdoor Wall Decor

Garden Grove Before and Afters

From a dead yellow backyard to a vibrant green lawn with a custom stacked stone fire pit installation and matching planter walls. What a difference!

Anaheim Backyard: Decluttered

Man alive! This backyard was past its prime. Even for a person who likes cactus, it was a bit too crowded, and the concrete patio area was cracking. TRU Landscape Services was able to give more space to the backyard by installing a wonderful pavers patio, a big green lawn, and stacked stone retainer walls around the yard.

Westminster Front Yard Spruce Up

Okay, so this front yard landscape was just… boring at first. Our crews installed a brand new walkway with planter walls that lead straight to the front door. The front porch was blinged out with the installation of ceramic tile. One of my personal favorites about this front yard landscape are the birch type trees installed in the planters with low voltage LED lighting pointing up at them. Looks really nice at night with the landscape lighting on! Another “special feature” of this new landscape are the LED step lights to illuminate the path.

TRU Landscape Services: Orange County Landscape Contractor

Here’s our latest online ad about “Taming Your Landscape”

Thank you for taking some time to watch our landscaping videos! If you would like any more information about these projects or about your own Orange County Landscape needs, please call today: 1-866-487-1359

TRU Landscape Services is capable of transforming your landscape in just about any way you want! We build water features, and pour concrete driveways. We are licensed to build custom outdoor fireplaces too! TRU will give you a fair price, and is just a phone call away.

Orange County Dog Runs

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Orange County Dog Runs

Synthetic Turf side yards make the perfect dog runs! Dogs can easily tear up grass and leave muddy, patchy sod. It’s hard to maintain a green lawn in a space where your dogs run back and forth. The solution is durable American Made Synthetic Turf. For Orange County Dog Runs installation, call TRU Landscape Services!

Synthetic Turf provides a good play area for your animals

Dog Run Installation Orange County

Recently, TRU Landscape has been installing dog runs for new home landscapes, new dog owners, and full landscape remodels. All synthetic turf installations are backed by a warranty. That way, you can rest assured your investment will be protected!

Orange County Dog Runs

Synthetic Turf Installation

Synthetic turf has many more applications beyond just dog runs. Perhaps you would prefer artificial grass installed as a putting green to practice your swing. Artificial turf is also a good no water, no maintenance solution for high traffic areas. If you’re tired of having to constantly maintain your lawn, and are open to the artificial alternative, high quality synthetic turf is for you. We find ourselves recommending Synthetic Turf in Orange County quite frequently. it just makes sense in many situations.

Synthetic Turf Putting green

Durable Synthetic Turf for Dogs

Our American made turf is non-toxic and safe for your favorite pooch. And now you won’t have to worry about muddy paws from your sprinkler system!

See Dog Run

You love your puppy! Isn’t it great to see your dog, young or old, running about and enjoying life? So, you live in Orange County and maybe don’t have as much room for your dog as you might wish. With a dog run, you can still maximize your limited space to keep your dog healthy and active. Maybe you own a small inside dog? Perhaps your own a pampered pooch? Well, then they’ll probably prefer the upscale alternative of a synthetic grass playground.

What else can TRU Landscape Services do for you? Our Orange County landscaping services are complete. We are at the forefront of landscape construction, concrete, driveways, lawns, and landscape lighting. We regularly install full landscape remodels and large hardscape elements such as outdoor fireplaces.

For a free estimate on your landscape call 1-866-487-1359

Outdoor Wall Decor

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Are your outdoor walls looking a little drab? There are many ways to dress up a boring brick wall or side yard. Here are a three solutions we used on a recent Costa Mesa landscaping project. Decorating your wall with plants, placing seating to liven up the space, and decorating your wall with another wall!

Some outdoor wall decor solutions with succulents, climbing plants, shelves, and vertical plants

1. Vines and Plants as Outdoor Wall Decor

This side yard had a lot of open space on a very bland block wall. The homeowners decided to accent it with living elements like the succulent window and star jasmine vine you see here. As time goes on, with proper coaching, the star jasmine should become a healthy vine attached to the wall. This will provide a much more interesting slightly overgrown look for their walkway.

Star Jasmine Vines are just one of many vines that add to outdoor wall decor

2. Seating Allows People to Fill in your Blank Wall Space

Another solution to decorating an outdoor wall would be adding a bench or some other practical item. Seating areas are great, because they fill out a space, make it more functional, and make a bland wall look much more lively!

Decorate with bench!

3. Decorate an Outdoor Wall With Another Wall!

If your blank stucco wall is just too boring, or your chain link fence is just too ugly, there is another solution! Consider putting up a floating wall in a section of your fence like the one below. For this landscape, we constructed a beautiful hardwood wall section to accent the white stucco wall behind it. There are many variations of fence that could spice up a wall from custom wood to more modern metal decorations.

Bench and decorative wood fence wall

Thanks for checking out our information on outdoor wall decor! For more information on all of the other great things that TRU Landscape Services can do for you, call 1-866-487-1359. If you live in Orange County and are looking for a licensed landscape professional, TRU Landscape Services is your one stop for Orange County Landscape Construction.

We install sprinklers, demolish concrete, install pavers, replace lawns with synthetic turf, build custom patio covers and outdoor fireplaces… The list goes on!

Anaheim Landscape Construction Company

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Hello Folks!

After a brief patch of rain and cold weather, it looks like sunny days are already returning to the OC. As the sun comes out and you look out from your windows, you may realize that your yard is a little worse for wear. Did anyone call for a landscape construction company?

Landscape Concrete Construction and Demolition

This homeowner decided to reclaim their backyard space by simplifying their landscape from this cluttered before picture.

Maybe your backyard is just missing something… Maybe your front yard needs a touch up…

Anaheim Landscape Construction Company

Don’t be dissatisfied with your landscape! It’s time to call up a trusted landscape contractor in your area. It’s time to find someone who can build you the perfect hardscape elements for your home. Concrete, dirt and stone provide a framework for your plants and lawn to thrive in. From front yard retainer walls, steps and concrete driveways to backyard patios, barbecue Islands and pool decks; there are a hundred ways to renew your home’s exterior. For a full, cohesive landscape remodel, it is best to call a licensed contractor like TRU Landscape Services.

The finished Anaheim Landscaping remodel de-cluttered their backyard providing room for kids and animals to run and play!

If you’re looking for experience and quality from your Anaheim Landscape Construction Company, look no further. TRU Landscape Services has been beautifying Orange County for over 25 years! We now serve all of the OC from Mission Viejo up to Fullerton and everywhere in between, so we’re not just an Anaheim Landscaping Company.

Anaheim Hills Landscaping Company

Here is one of our latest projects in your area! The pictures included in this blog are all from the same Anaheim Hills landscape construction project. We removed the existing backyard planters, retainer walls, and concrete patio and replaced it with synthetic turf and interlocking pavers.

Orco Pastello interlocking pavers in a country cobble random pattern

The pavers color used is Pastello, and the planter wall is Orco Bull Nose Buff. These pavingstone blends have different names but match up well. The pavers patio is laid in a country cobble random pattern as you can see above. Remember, for beautifully laid Orange County Interlocking Pavers, call TRU Landscape Services.

The previous aged and cracking concrete of this family’s patio had seen better days…

TRU Landscape is well versed in both installing and removing all types of patios, walkways and driveways. We install pavers, concrete, custom flagstone and many more types of backyard patios.

Orange County Synthetic Turf

When it comes to full yard remodels, TRU Landscape is a great choice because we do it all! Your average landscape construction company may not also be able to install a modern low voltage landscape lighting system, a satellite sprinkler timer, or high quality synthetic turf. TRU not only installs pavers and other hardscape, but has been installing synthetic turf in Orange County for well over a decade.

Preparing to install the synthetic turf

TRU Landscape’s synthetic turf is high quality and American made! It comes with an 8 year warranty that gives you the confidence that you have made a lasting investment. Homeowners across Orange County are saving on their water bills by switching their lawns to drought tolerant landscaping. In many cases there is also an Orange County drought tolerant landscape rebate program for those who make the switch.

The finished synthetic turf and pavers walkway

Well that looks a lot better! One more Orange County Landscape can breathe easier. We’d like to help make your landscape a success story too. The first step is to call TRU Landscape at 1-866-487-1359 and we can set up an appointment for your own free estimate. Each bid is personalized to you and your yard!

TRU Landscape Services, Your Orange County Landscape Contractor!

Landscape Lighting Orange County

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We just passed the darkest day of the year.

On the 21st, there were only 10hrs of daylight in Orange County. The winter solstice marks the turn of a slow climb back to longer days. During this time, you may have been missing landscape lighting in your Orange County yard… Landscape Lighting Orange County

Consider your Orange County landscape: your patio, your side yard, your pool, or your porch. Have you seen them in a while? If you go to work early in the morning and return any time after 5pm, you probably haven’t been able to enjoy your outdoor spaces in quite some time. Why even have a yard if you can’t see or enjoy it?

Landscape Lighting Orange County

Now is the time to consider installing a low voltage Landscape Lighting system from TRU Landscape Services. We use high grade, American Made lighting fixtures that will stand up to the elements, shine bright, and expend very little electricity.

Orange County Landscape Lighting

Why should I have American Made Landscape lighting installed instead of the lights that I can find at Home Depot? For one, TRU Landscape installs lights with a longterm warranty so that your lights can be replaced if they malfunction. Cheaper lights do not stand the sun, wind, and rain as well as their American Made counterparts.

Orange County Landscape Construction

There are many benefits to having TRU Landscape Services install your landscape lighting system. First, we’re a landscape contractor you can trust! As a licensed and bonded landscape company, TRU Landscape carries to insurance to protect you and your home. Our expert technicians have been installing Low Voltage Lighting systems for many years.

Second, TRU Landscape Services is a company that can do it all! Don’t waste time bouncing from contractor to landscape contractor to finish your project… TRU Landscape can install your patio, sprinkler system, driveway, and more! Our world-class concrete landscape construction division and maintenance crews can do it all!

We almost forgot, by upgrading your landscape lighting system, you’ll be saving money and helping the environment! Keeping your energy usage down helps everyone. With more low voltage landscape lighting Orange County will be a “greener” brighter place!

Call TRU Landscape today at 1-866-487-1359 to schedule a free estimate on your next landscape project! We’re you’re best shot at a beautiful landscape.

Orange County Patio Cover Construction

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Part Three: Patio Cover Construction

The third and final part of this Mission Viejo Patio Remodel is this custom wood balcony to patio cover tie in. Our expert teams took the previously bland space and added this important new element. The sturdy custom wood balcony construction adds a whole new space to the house. With a view like this home has, the balcony addition was absolutely essential to maximizing the potential of this family’s backyard space. If you want to capitalize on your view, call TRU Landscape for professional patio cover construction.

Patio Cover Construction Orange County Balcony In a warm climate like Orange County, backyard shade is absolutely essential for entertaining guests! The previously wide open backyard now has several square feet of shade provided by this new patio cover. It is 10-15 degrees cooler in the shade than in direct sunlight. A patio cover also provides the option of installing overhead misters. Rain or shine, a patio cover is an excellent addition to any backyard space.

Patio Cover Pictures

Customize your Patio Cover Installation

There are other options for patio cover construction from variations on columns, lighting fixtures, and tongue in groove construction style. We can wrap your posts with a decorative pilaster. This will add interest to the columns of your new patio cover. They also make a great landing area to place potted plants. There are many options. We could add a simple stucco finish, or we could attach just about any stone from slate to stacked stone.

Here’s an example of a stack stone pilaster at the base of a patio cover post

Landscape Lighting Orange County

TRU Landscape Services is also a full service landscape lighting technician. We install high grade low voltage LED lighting systems. The small lights pictured here are LED and save a lot of power while still sufficiently lighting the outdoor space. Other options include can lighting. A can light is built flush to the ceiling of a patio cover and is a 120 volt light. They are a little bit brighter, give a different look, and give you the option of hooking up a dimmer switch to your system so you can set mood lighting. Another LED lighting options include up lighting to shed light on your plants, pool, or home at night time.

Custom Patio Cover Styles

Our Orange County patio covers come in many styles. There is the open lattice patio cover like the one pictured here. We also install many solid roof style patio covers. It all depends on your home’s style and the functionality that you hope to get out of the patio cover. We can do a full roof tie in for a seamless new outdoor area as well.

Orange County Stamped Concrete Patio

Once the space was finished and the homeowners had settled into their new outdoor living area, they sent TRU Landscape some pictures to show us the finished product. The patio cover provided a place to hang lights over their new outdoor dining table. They told us how much they love sitting on their newly constructed balcony and watching the sun set over Mission Viejo.

The complete backyard landscape remodel really made some happy customers! With the barbecue island, stamped concrete, low voltage lighting, and custom patio cover, the family was thrilled with their new space.

Call TRU Landscape Services for sturdy landscape construction will last a lifetime.

Mission Viejo Stamped Concrete Patio

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Part Two: Stamped Concrete

Here are some new images of our latest Mission Viejo stamped concrete patio! The patio includes an Orange County Barbecue Island and a balcony-patio cover tie-in. But we’re here to talk about the foundation of it all: the stamped concrete!

The concrete barbecue island blends well with the stamped concrete patio

For this Mission Viejo stamped concrete patio, our crews matched the stain and glossy finish with the rest of the backyard hardscape’s stacked stone elements. The cohesion of your yard’s main elements creates harmony in your outdoor living space. As a landscape construction company, TRU Landscape’s job is to build you the framework for your outdoor paradise. The hardscape elements and various plants play off of eachother, but are also a blank slate for you to fill in. For the basis of your landscape, call the licensed Orange County hardscape team: TRU Landscape Services!

This family filled out their space with bar stools around the American Grill

Orange County Concrete Patio

Stamped Concrete is just one of the many surfacing options for your deck or patio. TRU Landscape’s Orange County concrete crew is skilled in a diverse array of patio styles to best suit your taste! We regularly pour concrete finishes in many different colors and styles. Sturdy and long lasting, we use concrete in many different hardscape construction including driveways, patios, walkways, countertops, and benches.

A close up of the Mission Viejo stamped concrete patio

A stamped concrete patio is an investment in a low maintenance back yard. We integrate drains into your patio for easy cleanup. The patio is also graded (to code) so that there isn’t any unnecessary buildup of water. Spills are cleaned up easily. Concrete is long lasting and reduces lawn maintenance by reducing the size of your lawn! Lastly, you aren’t compromising beauty for the sake of functionality and ease! Everyone will comment on the charm of your outdoor living space.

Mission Viejo Stamped Concrete Pouring

If you’re considering a backyard landscape remodel in Orange County, and need to find the right landscape company for the job, call TRU Landscape Services today! We’ve been a top landscape contractor in Orange County for over 25 years! In this business, you can’t survive that long unless you provide the absolute best quality to your customers.

Call our office today at 1-866-487-1359

Check out our final blog in the Mission Viejo patio remodel series here: Orange County Patio Cover Construction

Tried and True Landscape Contractors

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Licensed Bonded and Insured Landscape Contractor in Orange County

Hello All! Trying to decide on an Orange County landscape contractor? Looking into TRU Landscape Services? Whether you go with our landscape company or not, here are a few big reasons to make sure you have a licensed contractor work on your lawn (and not some turkey).

Ever wonder if you can get away with a low cost independent contractor for your landscape construction? Before attempting to save money by going this route, there are a few things to consider.

Happy Thanksgiving!

First, the contractor is required to have a license even if he isn’t currently operating with a license or bond. It’s true! Landscape Construction actually requires a license and bond. Certain specific jobs like installing a gas line for an outdoor fireplace even require further certification by the State of California. TRU meets those requirements.

Second, a less established landscape contractor may skimp on the materials needed to build a long lasting hardscape installation such as a fireplace, walkway, or block wall. Even though it’s concrete, an installation without a proper foundation, structure, and curing will not hold up over time. There are a lot of intricacies to properly installing everything from retaining walls to driveways that an unlicensed contractor simply won’t worry about.

Lastly, a licensed contractor is required to carry insurance. That insurance is there to protect you, the homeowner!

Licensed Landscape Contractors can construct amazing things like this barbecue Island

Now, you may actually prefer hiring an unlicensed landscape contractor simply because they are more personable than some big company. A smaller team may be more friendly and quick to help with your specific needs. Well, TRU Landscape prides itself in a small company attitude with a big company’s concern for quality. You’ll find that our balance between attention to detail and customer service are perfect for your family, and will help to create your dream yard!

Hire a company you can trust for their experience, commitment, and impressive portfolio. An estimate is just a call away. Our number is 1-8-66-487-1359

Orange County Barbecue Island

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Part One: Barbecue Island

One of the most striking features of the Mission Viejo Patio Remodel that we just completed was the addition of a custom concrete barbecue island to their backyard patio. Take it in.

The stacked stone veneer and concrete counter top provide a unique feel to this backyard patio

Many of our Orange County barbecue islands are sided with stacked stone like this one though our company provides many other options. We construct stone, pavers, and brick barbecue islands as well.

Built-In American Made Grills

TRU Landscape only uses the finest American Made Grills in their custom barbecue island installations. Why purchase a cheap grill for your new outdoor kitchen when you can have the very best gas or charcoal grill installed.

Grilling in an outdoor kitchen is a lot more fun

Outdoor Kitchen Features

Your barbecue island can be completed with anything you need for cooking outdoors. Everything, plus the kitchen sink! TRU Landscape frequently installs outdoor kitchens with sinks, side burners, refrigerators, and more! If you’re tired of being cooped up in your indoor kitchen, it’s definitely time to consider a fully functional grilling space.

Treated concrete counter tops provide a bar and table for enjoying the outdoor kitchen

Orange County Barbecue Island

What makes an Barbecue Island an “Orange County Barbecue Island”? Well, for one thing, the specially great weather that we experience year round. An Orange County Barbecue Island installation will get use all year. Another thing is the style. Your barbecue can reflect your particular tastes, be they related to the beach or the beautiful hills in our area. Because your grill and outdoor kitchen are custom built, they can be made to blend your taste with the natural beauty of the OC.

Special Feature: Low Voltage LEDs under the Barbecue Island’s Counter

Orange County Landscape Company

So, you want a uniquely Orange County barbecue Island? First of all, you’ll need a uniquely Orange County Landscape Company. TRU has been serving the area for over 25 years. Our team members are vastly experienced in landscape concrete, pavers and driveways installation, sprinkler systems, and landscape lighting. For all of your lawn, patio, and landscape construction needs, call the best landscape contractor in Orange County: TRU Landscape Services!

Our offices are open for calls Monday to Friday from 9am-3pm, or you can send an email using the quick quote feature. All estimates are free. Just call in, and we’ll schedule an appointment to have your landscape project looked at.