Frequently Asked Questions

We provide a full range of residential and commercial property services grouped into three programs: GroundsCare (lawn mowing, fertilization, weed control, trimming, cleanups, mulching, bed maintenance, pest control), Install (hydroseeding, sod, drainage, retaining walls, landscape lighting, softscape plantings, gravel driveways, finish grading, lawn repairs), and SnowCare (commercial lot clearing, lot de-icing, sidewalk clearing, and sidewalk de-icing).

We primarily serve Westmoreland County and parts of Allegheny County within roughly a 15-mile radius of Greensburg, PA. This includes Greensburg, Irwin, North Huntingdon, Latrobe, New Stanton, Murrysville, Jeannette, Hempfield, and many surrounding communities. For hydroseeding and larger commercial projects, our reach extends further across Western PA — including parts of Butler, Washington, and Fayette counties.

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. During winter months, contracted commercial snow and ice management clients receive 24/7 emergency coverage.

TruScape was founded in January 2020 by Jimmy Patterson and Shane Covalesky. In February 2023, Jimmy and his wife Leah became sole owners. We are locally owned and family operated — not private equity, not a franchise.

Yes. We are members of the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), the Pennsylvania Landscape & Nursery Association (PLNA), and the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. We also participate in the NALP Safe Company Program.

Residential services focus on homeowner properties — lawn mowing, fertilization, landscaping, and seasonal maintenance. Commercial services include everything residential offers plus year-round grounds maintenance programs, 24/7 snow and ice management, and specialized solutions for retail centers, offices, HOAs, senior housing, industrial sites, and government facilities. Snow & Ice (SnowCare) services are exclusively available for commercial properties.

Yes. TruScape carries general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. We also maintain PA pesticide applicator licensing for fertilization and pest control services. Certificates of insurance are available upon request.

Our vision is "To set the standard for professional property care." Our mission is to remove uncertainty from property maintenance by providing dependable service, proactive communication, and professional execution — every visit, every season.

We offer weekly and biweekly mowing programs. Weekly mowing is recommended for most Western PA lawns during the active growing season (April through November) to maintain consistent cut heights and turf health. Every visit includes mowing, string trimming, and blowing of hard surfaces.

Our custom fertilization and weed control programs are designed specifically for Western PA soil and climate. They include multi-round seasonal applications of granular fertilizer, pre-emergent weed preventer, and post-emergent broadleaf weed control. We tailor the program to your lawn's needs — which can be informed by a professional soil test.

Core aeration pulls small plugs from the soil to relieve compaction and improve air, water, and nutrient flow to grass roots. Overseeding follows aeration to introduce new seed into the thinned canopy for a thicker lawn. Fall (September through mid-November) is the ideal time for Western PA because cooler temps and reliable rainfall create optimal germination conditions.

Compost top dressing involves spreading a thin layer of screened compost over your lawn to boost soil organic matter, improve moisture retention, and feed beneficial soil biology. It's an excellent complement to aeration and overseeding — the compost fills the aeration holes and provides a nutrient-rich seedbed for new grass.

Yes. We perform professional lawn soil analysis to measure pH, nutrient levels, and organic matter content. The results guide targeted fertilization and amendment recommendations so you invest only in what your lawn actually needs — no guesswork.

Our flea and tick program follows a 4-visit annual cadence. Seasonal lawn treatments are applied to active outdoor areas — yards, play areas, and pet zones — to reduce flea and tick populations. This protects families, pets, and visitors from tick-borne illnesses.

Perimeter pest control is a recurring exterior treatment (4 visits per year) applied around the foundation of your home or building. It creates a chemical barrier that reduces insect pressure before pests move indoors. Targets ants, spiders, stink bugs, and other crawling insects common in Western PA.

Spring cleanups include debris clearing from beds, leaf removal, gutter-line blowing, and bed preparation for the growing season. Fall cleanups include thorough leaf removal (we use commercial truck vacuuming for efficiency), bed debris clearing, and preparing your lawn and landscape for winter.

Twice-yearly shrub trimming and selective pruning to maintain shape, control size, and promote plant health. We follow horticultural best practices — timing pruning to each plant variety's ideal window — so your plantings stay healthy and attractive long-term.

Yes. Bed edging creates crisp, defined edges along landscape beds, walkways, and driveways for an instant curb-appeal upgrade. Mulching includes fresh mulch installation to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and enhance appearance. For large properties and tight-access areas, we offer mulch blowing for faster, cleaner application.

We use a combination of pre-emergent herbicides (preventing weeds before they germinate) and post-emergent treatments (targeting existing weeds). An initial thorough weeding and pre-emergent application brings beds to a manageable baseline, and ongoing maintenance keeps them clean and sharp between visits.

We design, source, and install vibrant annual displays for spring, summer, and fall. This can include flowering annuals, bulbs, and fall decor options like pumpkins, hay bales, and cornstalks. Seasonal color rotations keep your property looking fresh and inviting all year.

Strategic seasonal cutbacks remove spent growth from perennial plantings, reset landscape beds, and promote healthier spring regrowth. We time cutbacks to each plant variety's ideal pruning window for the best results.

We install French drains, catch basins, and grading corrections to resolve wet yards, foundation water issues, and erosion problems. Each system is designed to redirect water away from structures and low-lying areas. A site assessment determines the best approach for your specific drainage challenge.

We build engineered retaining walls for grade changes, hillside stabilization, and creating usable outdoor space. We use Versa-Lok and other premium segmental wall systems designed for long-term structural performance in Western PA's freeze-thaw climate.

Professional installation of trees, shrubs, perennials, and ornamental grasses. We select varieties suited to Western PA conditions — factoring in sunlight, soil type, drainage, and mature size — and design layouts that provide year-round visual interest.

Yes. We provide outdoor lighting design and installation to highlight landscape features, improve safety, and extend usable evening hours. We use low-voltage LED systems for energy efficiency and longevity, with options for path lights, uplights, accent lights, and more.

Absolutely. We strategically plant evergreen trees, shrubs, or ornamental screens to create natural privacy barriers. We select fast-growing, dense varieties suited to your site and soil conditions so you get effective screening as quickly as possible.

Yes. We power-rake and regrade gravel driveways to eliminate potholes, ruts, and washboarding. New gravel is added as needed for a smooth, properly crowned driving surface that sheds water correctly.

Yes. We remove unwanted trees, shrubs, hedges, and overgrown plantings to clear space for new landscaping or restore property sight lines. This is often the first step before a new planting design.

We begin with an initial consultation (virtual or phone), followed by an on-site meeting if needed. After gathering details, we create a proposal with design and pricing. Once approved, we schedule the work and provide ongoing updates throughout the project. On-site design consultations are $250 and include a detailed property assessment and 2D design plan.

On-site design consultations are $250 and include a thorough property assessment and a professional 2D design plan. 3D renderings and virtual walkthroughs are available for an additional fee. Virtual and phone consultations for general scoping are free.

Absolutely. You can submit inspiration photos, sketches, or site plans through our secure upload portal, and we'll use them to guide your custom design.

Hydroseeding (also called hydraulic mulch seeding) sprays a slurry of grass seed, wood-fiber mulch, fertilizer, tackifiers, and water onto prepared soil. The mulch holds moisture and protects the seed, producing faster germination than hand-seeding — typically within 7 to 14 days — at roughly one-third the cost of sod.

Hand seeding costs about $0.05–$0.10 per sq ft with 3–4 week germination but poor erosion control. Hydroseeding costs $0.15–$0.33 per sq ft with 7–14 day germination and excellent erosion control. Sod costs $1.00–$2.00 per sq ft and is instant but expensive and difficult on slopes. Hydroseeding hits the sweet spot for most residential and commercial projects — faster than seed, a fraction of the cost of sod, and ideal for slopes.

Typical ranges: Small Residential (under 3,000 sq ft) $800–$1,500 | Average Yard (3,000–8,000 sq ft) $1,500–$2,500 | Large Residential (8,000+ sq ft) $2,500–$4,500 | Commercial projects receive custom quotes. Final pricing depends on square footage, slope, soil condition, site accessibility, and any needed prep work.

Fall (late August through October) is the preferred window in Western PA — cooler temperatures, reliable rainfall, and reduced weed competition create ideal germination conditions. Spring (April through June) is also excellent. Summer hydroseeding is possible with temporary irrigation. We also offer dormant seeding (November through February) where seed is applied and germinates with the first warm spell of spring.

Water lightly 2 to 4 times daily for the first 2–3 weeks to keep the mulch layer consistently moist. Avoid heavy watering that pools or causes runoff. Once grass reaches 3–4 inches, reduce watering frequency and begin mowing at the highest setting. Avoid foot traffic on the new lawn for the first 4–6 weeks. Our team provides detailed aftercare instructions at the time of service.

Hydroseeding is used for new residential lawns, commercial and industrial sites, slopes and erosion control, PennDOT and highway projects, athletic fields and parks, oil and gas reclamation, and any large-scale turf establishment where cost and speed matter.

We operate high-capacity Finn hydroseeders loaded with premium seed blends specifically selected for Western PA's climate. Our equipment handles residential yards through large commercial and municipal sites.

Our primary blend is Turf Type Tall Fescue, the best-performing grass for Western PA's climate. We also use Kentucky Bluegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, and Fine Fescues (for shade). For reclamation and erosion-control projects, we source native grass and wildflower blends. The exact mix is tailored to your site's sun exposure, soil, and intended use.

In addition to hydroseeding, we offer: sod installation (instant lawn, $1.00–$2.00/sq ft), overseeding (to thicken existing lawns, ideal in fall), dormant seeding (November through February for spring germination), and erosion control seeding (using Flexterra HP-FHP and Biotic Soil Media for PennDOT/DEP-compliant sites).

Full projects that include finish grading, soil amendment, and seeding or hydroseeding typically range from $4,000 to $10,000+ depending on yard size, amount of grading needed, soil condition, seed blend, and whether erosion control or temporary irrigation is required.

No. Our SnowCare program is exclusively for commercial properties — retail centers, office parks, HOAs, senior housing, industrial facilities, and similar sites. This allows us to dedicate full resources and 24/7 response to our commercial partners during storm events.

Our SnowCare program includes four core services: lot clearing (plows, loaders, and pushers), lot de-icing (rock salt, treated salt, liquid brine), sidewalk clearing (shovels, brooms, walk-behind equipment), and sidewalk de-icing (bagged ice melt and liquid applications). We coordinate all four for complete winter coverage.

We offer two plans: Seasonal Plan (recommended) — a seasonal total split into even monthly payments from November through March, invoiced on the 15th of each month. Pricing is based on 10-year historical weather data for predictable budgeting, and includes priority storm response and proactive brine treatment. Per Occurrence Plan — pay only when services are performed, with event-based invoices issued on the last day of each month. Best for properties with variable winter needs.

The seasonal plan provides priority response during storms, staged materials and equipment on or near your site (size-dependent), proactive brine and ice control treatments, and flat monthly pricing so you can budget confidently. It is the best value for properties requiring guaranteed coverage and zero-tolerance ice management.

Snow removal contracts may not be canceled mid-season. Because we stage materials, dedicate equipment, and plan crew routing based on contracted properties, mid-season cancellations are not permitted per our service agreement.

Yes. Contracted commercial SnowCare clients receive 24/7 emergency coverage during winter weather events. Our team monitors forecasts and deploys proactively to minimize accumulation and ice formation.

Visit our website and click "Get Started" or go directly to the quote page. It is a simple 4-step process: enter your property address and email, select services you're interested in, provide contact details, and review your request. We will follow up promptly with availability and pricing.

Yes. Online quote requests and virtual or phone consultations are completely free with no obligation. On-site design consultations for landscape construction projects are $250 and include a detailed property assessment and 2D design plan.

Yes. Residential GroundsCare is billed in 12 even monthly installments (January through December). Commercial GroundsCare is billed in 7 monthly payments (April through October). Commercial SnowCare runs November through March and can be billed as a seasonal plan (even monthly installments) or per occurrence. All plans are based on your total seasonal service needs split into predictable equal payments.

Service proposals are valid for 30 days from the date issued. Final pricing may vary from initial estimates based on site conditions discovered during the assessment. Please reach out if you need an extension.

Yes. Written service agreements are required for all recurring services. Contracts specify the service description, duration, pricing, and cancellation policy so both parties have clear expectations.

Please ensure clear access for our crews and equipment — remove vehicles from driveways when possible, secure pets, and clear obstacles from the service area. If your project involves digging, you must call PA 811 to have underground utilities marked before work begins. Inform us of any known underground utilities, irrigation, or invisible fencing.

All outdoor services are weather-dependent. If rain, storms, or extreme conditions prevent work on your scheduled day, we will reschedule at the next available opportunity. Weather delays do not constitute a breach of contract.

All GroundsCare services are billed on a seasonal total basis in even monthly installments — we do not charge per visit. Pricing is calculated based on average time spent on your property per year. All services are added up and split into equal monthly payments. Residential GroundsCare is billed in 12 even monthly installments (January through December). Commercial GroundsCare is billed in 7 monthly payments (April through October). All GroundsCare invoices are issued on the 15th of the month. Commercial SnowCare is billed either seasonally (November through March, even monthly payments invoiced on the 15th) or per occurrence (invoiced on the last day of each month). One-time landscape and installation projects are billed on a payment schedule basis — larger projects require a deposit and mid-project draws depending on the length and cost of the project.

We accept credit cards, ACH bank transfers, checks, and cash. Credit card and ACH are the most convenient options and can be stored securely in your customer portal for auto-pay.

Auto-charge automatically pays recurring invoices using your stored credit card or ACH account. Auto-charge is required for all residential GroundsCare services and is strongly encouraged for commercial accounts as well. Log into the customer portal, go to the Profile tab, add a payment method, and enable auto-charge. You can set an optional monthly limit for extra control.

Log into the customer portal, navigate to the Profile tab, and add or edit your stored payment method. Changes take effect immediately for future invoices.

Yes. A late fee of 1.5% per month (18% annually) is applied to invoices that remain unpaid more than 30 days past the due date. We recommend setting up auto-charge to avoid any late fees.

You will receive a notification to update your payment information. Please update promptly to avoid late fees or service interruptions. You can update your payment method anytime through the customer portal.

Yes. We offer a 5% discount when you prepay your full seasonal service plan up front. Contact us to discuss eligibility and get set up.

One-time services require 24 hours advance notice to cancel; less than 24 hours may incur a cancellation fee. Recurring service contracts require 30 days written notice before the end of your billing period; early termination may incur fees. Snow removal contracts may not be canceled mid-season.

The customer portal gives you 24/7 access to view service history and crew visit photos, review and pay invoices, approve proposals, submit work requests and support tickets, manage your profile and payment methods, and add additional users to your account.

After signing up for services, you will receive a welcome email with a link to create your portal account. Click the link, set your password, and you are ready to log in. If the link expires, contact us and we will resend it.

Log into the portal, open the Requests tab, and submit a new request with details about what you need. Include photos if helpful. Our team will review and follow up promptly.

Yes. From the Profile tab, you can invite additional users and assign permissions — such as viewing invoices, approving proposals, or managing payment methods. This is especially useful for commercial properties with multiple decision-makers.

Visit portal.truscapepa.com and log in with your email and password. You can also access the portal link from the footer of our main website or from the homepage's "Existing customer?" link.

We participate in the NALP Safe Company Program. Our safety practices include daily morning safety huddles, routine safety reviews, strict equipment maintenance standards, ongoing safety training, and employee background checks and drug screening. Every team member is trained before operating any equipment.

We mulch grass clippings rather than bagging to return nutrients to the soil, compost collected leaf waste, and manage irrigation to conserve water. Our fertilization programs are designed to apply only what the soil needs — guided by soil testing — rather than over-applying.

Yes. All services are warranted for professional workmanship. Plant warranties are conditional on proper customer care (watering, not damaging, etc.). Warranties do not cover damage from Acts of God, disease, pests, wildlife, or customer neglect. Specific warranty terms are outlined in your service agreement.

We carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation coverage. If you notice damage related to our work, please report it within 24 hours so we can inspect and resolve it promptly. We are not liable for damage to unmarked underground utilities, pre-existing conditions, or Acts of God.

Contact us within 24 hours of any concern. We will work to resolve the issue directly. If we cannot reach a resolution, the matter proceeds to mediation and, if necessary, is governed by the courts of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

Yes! Our free online Landscaping Material Calculator helps you estimate quantities for mulch, topsoil, gravel, decorative stone, sand, and compost. Enter your area dimensions and depth, and it calculates cubic yards, cubic feet, and approximate bags needed. Find it at truscapepa.com/calculator.

One cubic yard of mulch covers approximately 108 sq ft at a 3-inch depth (the most common mulching depth). We recommend 2 to 4 inches of mulch for landscape beds. Pro tip: order 5–10% extra to account for settling and uneven terrain.

One cubic yard of topsoil covers approximately 81 sq ft at a 4-inch depth. For new lawn installations, 4 to 6 inches of quality topsoil is recommended. Use our online calculator for exact quantities based on your area dimensions.

Bulk delivery is almost always more cost-effective for projects larger than a few cubic yards. Bagged materials are convenient for small areas and DIY touch-ups. Our calculator provides both bulk and bag estimates so you can compare.

We collect only the information needed to provide services — name, email, phone, property address, and landscaping needs. We do NOT sell, trade, or rent your personal data. Data is stored securely on Supabase with industry-standard encryption. Full details are available in our Privacy Policy at truscapepa.com/privacy-policy.

Yes. We use cookies for site preferences, analytics, and performance. You can control cookie settings through your browser. Our Privacy Policy provides full details on what data cookies collect and how it is used.

Yes. You have the right to access, correct, delete, or request portability of your personal data. You may also opt out of marketing communications at any time. Contact us at TruScape LLC, PO Box 10, Irwin, PA 15642, or call 724-686-4769.

By submitting photos or content through our website or portal, you grant TruScape a perpetual, royalty-free license to use that content for marketing purposes. This is outlined in our Terms of Service.