True Magic Landscaping - Pinole, California

Andrew Hattori

Manuel and his team deliver EXCEPTIONAL quality and truly transformed our property into a beautiful, serene space. We first met Manuel through a landscape designer who recommended True Magic because of their reliability and capabilities. Our project was a full overhaul: removing grass, laying drainage and irrigation throughout, laying the driveway, installing garden beds & raised veggie beds, pavers to create a patio, and all the plants, installing market lights and pathway lighting. When our project hit the inevitable snags (supply chain issues mostly), Manuel managed the team and the us expertly, bringing in the right staff on the right days, and helping us find alternative materials. The final result has given us so much joy. When we are out in the front yard, neighbors often remark how nice the job is, and I recently had a neighbor ask me for Manuel's info.

I would hire True Magic again in an instant. In fact, we recently had Manuel and his team back to do another project in the front that we’d postponed originally.

When we started our project, I knew nothing about landscaping. Luckily, I didn't need to because we hired True Magic. I am so glad we did.

Heidi Scharein

Manuel and his crew did an excellent job. Our yard was a mess after years of battling an invasive weed--it was pitted and overgrown, and it wasn't a place I wanted to spend time. I had planted a few trees to get a head start on privacy screening, but I needed help to make the yard a family-friendly, relaxing space.

Manuel gave us some ideas and bids for a few options--turf, flagstone, DG, mulch, etc. We ultimately decided on a patch of turf to give the toddler some room to run. I was worried that an artificial grass wouldn't have enough cushion, but he came through with a great set of product options and helped us choose one to fit our needs.

His crew is top notch: they were always on time, they were courteous and asked questions when they needed, and they kept a clean workspace. They were hard workers, friendly guys, and detail oriented.

Two things really stood out over and beyond my expectations. Any time I left the hose out after watering, I came back the next day to it nicely coiled on the holder. We had this tiny (annoying) nub of rebar that poked out of the concrete near our patch of turf. It's bugged me for years, but I never mentioned it. They noticed and took care of it. This crew is top notch.

We had them add on a DG patch between the house and garage, and we had them weed and re-mulch the front yard, also. End to end, the project was done in less than two weeks.

I couldn't be happier with this crew, Manuel's great communication, or the end result. The grass is perfect for our kiddo to run around, my yard maintenance feels manageable, and it's fun to sit outside again!

Christie Fanton

Manuel and his team delivered exceptional quality and transformed our front yard from a lackluster, weedy hill, to a beautiful space we can be proud of. We first met Manuel through a landscape designer who recommended True Magic because of their reliability and capabilities. Our project involved removing most of the existing plants (although we saved and moved 4, which have done beautifully after their careful relocation), adding all the new plants we selected, installing 3 boulders or varying size/weight, and placing pavers for a new walkway. They also added irrigation throughout and fixed our existing irrigation in the backyard. They followed the landscape designer's plans, but added their own creativity when they had to create a new strip between the sidewalk and road with a mix of old pavers we had, integrated with new ones to match the new walkway. The work was beautiful, but we also really appreciated the small touches, like sending one of his guys out to water the new plants over the weekend, since the install hadn't been completely finished on a Friday. I would hire True Magic again in an instant!

Vanessa Sabarese

Manuel is smart, efficient and a good listener. He evaluated the scope of my backyard project quickly, gave me a quote and Manuel and his team started the project promptly. His workers are hardworking, professional, on time and kind—I always felt that Manuel was checking in on work site and in control of the project at all times. Not only that, I live the final outcome. I can’t wait to plan my next backyard project with Manuel and his True Magic Landscaping team.

Ernie Bryant

Due to the age of our property (43 years), we decided to re-landscape the entire property, including replacing an old redwood deck with a new TimberTech deck; adding a new stone patio; removing all existing plants and grass and replacing them with drought tolerant plants; and replacing a large retaining wall that ran along the back and one side of the property. Due to the new city ordinances regarding retaining walls, this latter project became a major challenge, but Manuel and his crew were up to the task. They also collaborated with a landscape designer around the re-planting component of the project.

From the beginning planning stages to the end of the project, Manuel worked closely with us to ensure that both the new retaining wall and the deck and patio were perfectly complimentary and met all the city codes. Their pricing was reasonable given the size and complexity of the project. The True Magic Landscaping team were exceptional in that they daily cleaned up the areas in which they had been working; were always on time and worked throughout the entire day; and were pleasant and cordial to both my wife and myself. It is now one year later, and with all the new plants and trees blooming, the entire yard is stunning! My wife and I strongly recommend Manuel Godinez and True Magic Landscaping. They are true professionals!

Lindy Burgon

Manuel and his crew are top notch! They did the hard scape and planting g for our front yard, courtyard and side yard. They work hard, show up on time and are very professional. During our project, Manuel was quick to respond to my questions and concerns, and went the extra mile to problem solve any issues. I have already recommended Manuel and his crew to many neighbors and friends. If you work with Manuel, you won’t be disappointed.

Kyle Champlin

We were very happy to have Manuel and team for this particular project. They do high quality work, and Manuel is very good about communicating any potential issues or concerns up front. We had a new set of outdoor "stairs" put in as well as a retaining wall all done over the course of about 3 or 4 weeks (mostly due to weather delays). We are extremely please with the final product and are planning to hire True Magic again for some future projects.

Alex K

I recently had significant work done in my front and backyard. The front yard needed significant grading and leveling, metal work, fencing, along with irrigation, grass and various plantings, including ~ 25 trees and bushes. Everything was graded, leveled, irrigated and planted to perfection. I have had gardeners, neighbors and pedestrians passing by taking pictures of the landscaping as well as complimenting me constantly. Since the project, I've asked Manuel and team to come back several times for additional mulch, wood work and whatever I need, and he has taken care of every detail, down to the nail head.

I only wish everyone was as professional, positive and enjoyable to work with. I really cannot say enough good things. I have had many contractors work on various projects, and I've never had such positive experiences.

They are truly one of a kind.