To Create The Perfect "Urban Oasis," Just Add Water
By Ofelia Saenz, Signal Tribune staff writer
When Trey Heslop has a get-together, it's not his kitchen that people congregate around, it's his koi pond. His backyard models just one example of the type of work Heslop does through his contracting company, Urban Oasis.
Heslop is a landscape contractor who designs, builds and maintains naturally balanced ponds, waterfalls and some fountains.
After receiving his A.A. in horticulture, he realized he had a passion for water features and ponds. Heslop went on to complete the Master Gardner program through UCLA extension and become a certified Aquascapes contractor.
His company now works exclusively with Aquascape designs because he has found them to be completely natural eco-systems. "No chemicals are used," says Heslop. "It's all natural stone from the top to the bottom...it's the plants working with bacteria and fish and a biological filter."
With no visible liners or plant pots, the designs closely resemble a naturally occurring landscape. "They make the most beautiful ponds and the cleanest and most ecologically friendly.
According to Heslop, koi ponds have come a long way since the days of leaky concrete bases and extravagant filtration systems. The Aquascape ponds use no external filtration; the pump is underground. In place of concrete, they use a flexible liner, which is then covered with natural gravel and rock. The liner, when covered with stone, has a 40-year life expectancy.
Although the pondless waterfalls are maintenance free, the ponds require minimal maintenance on a monthly basis. Urban Oasis includes the first three months maintenance in their installation package, along with two free service calls.
To insure that all installation is done properly, Heslop is personally involved in the building process and makes customers feel comfortable to call with any questions after the water feature is in place.
Heslop has experienced first hand how a water feature can transform a living space. He built a 4000-gallon pond in his backyard. The pond has become a conversation piece for guests as well as a daily source of tranquility for Heslop.
"The sound of flowing water, beautiful water plants and colorful koi are truly therapeutic and calming to me," says Heslop. "I can dip my feet in the pond and the fish come around and nibble at my toes. I have my cup of coffee there every single morning. It really allows me to relax."
For more information about Urban Oasis, contact Trey Heslop at (562) 234-1485, or visit their website at www.urbanoasisponds.com.
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