Lawn Replacement in San Diego (2026): Turf + Hardscape + Drainage Packages
Updated January 2026 – San Diego County (Originally published May 2013)
In San Diego, lawn replacement usually starts for one of three reasons: water waste, weeds and brown spots, or you want a cleaner outdoor living layout. The problem is that most “lawn replacement” projects fail because people replace the surface without fixing the two things that actually matter:
water and edges.
A high-performing lawn replacement is a systems project: drainage and lawful discharge, grade control, clean edge restraints, and smart hardscape integration. This page shows the premium way to do it.
Educational only (not legal advice). Permit and HOA requirements vary by jurisdiction (City vs County vs other cities) and by parcel overlays/HOA rules.
On-Time Guarantee applies to $25,000+ projects.
We do turf installs and full replacements as part of premium scopes. We do not offer maintenance-only services.
- Drainage first: slope, capture points, and a defined discharge path.
- Clean edges: curbs/soldier course/restraint so turf or DG stays tight and clean.
- Correct base: layered base designed for use (kids, dogs, high traffic, putting green).
- Hardscape integration: a real patio zone beats a big rectangle of turf.
- Future-proofing: sleeves and conduit before hardscape for lighting and upgrades.
- Proof: QA photos of base and drains before cover-up.
Costs: Lawn Replacement in San Diego (2026 Planning Ranges)
- Lawn Replacement Core (turf replacement + correct base + clean edges + minor drainage corrections): $15k–$35k
- Hybrid Entertainer (turf + a real patio zone + edging + lighting-ready conduit): $35k–$85k
- Backyard Entertaining Core (patio + shade + kitchen-ready utilities + lighting + turf): $75k–$160k
- Full Outdoor Living Conversion (multi-zone + drainage upgrades + utilities + finishes): $120k–$250k+
Deep cost guides:
Artificial Grass Cost ·
Backyard Remodel Cost ·
Pricing
Packages: The Three Lawn Replacement Programs That Actually Work
| Program | Best For | Typical Included |
|---|---|---|
| Lawn Replacement Core | You want turf or DG quickly, without a full remodel | Demo, correct base, clean edging, drainage fixes, house grade protection |
| Hybrid Entertainer | You want a usable patio plus a clean play/green zone | Turf + patio zone + better edges + lighting-ready conduit + improved drainage |
| Outdoor Living Conversion | You want a true backyard program (patio, shade, kitchen-ready, lighting) | Patio + shade structure, utilities backbone, lighting scenes, drainage upgrades, turf as balance |
San Diego Lawn Replacement Packages
Removing a Lawn (The 4 Real Options)
If you are doing it yourself, lawn removal is labor-heavy. If you are hiring a pro, removal is just step one.
The key is planning what happens after removal: base, drainage, edges, and transitions.
- Herbicide (fast planning path): kill the lawn, then rebuild the base and finish system.
- Dig it out: cut sod into strips and remove. Locate irrigation lines first.
- Power tools: sod cutter or tiller for larger areas, then control weeds that surface.
- Smother/solarize: slow but effective for large areas if timing allows.
Drainage: The #1 Reason Lawn Replacement Fails
If water cannot leave the yard cleanly, everything fails: turf smells, DG ruts, patios pond, and edges lift.
Define slope, capture points, and discharge before any finish is installed.
Hardscape Pairings That Upgrade Lawn Replacement Into Outdoor Living
- Paver patios: warm, versatile, repairable. Pavers Cost
- Porcelain patios: crisp modern, low absorption. Porcelain Paver Cost
- Permeable pavers: stormwater strategy when designed as a system. Permeable Pavers Cost
Contractor selection: Best Hardscape Contractors
Re-evaluate Irrigation (Cap, Convert, or Reuse)
Most lawn irrigation is too aggressive for replacements. In many projects, the right move is to cap, convert to drip where planting exists, and future-proof sleeves.
Do not leave unknown live lines under new hardscape.
Permits and HOA (When Lawn Replacement Triggers Approvals)
- Turf itself is often treated as landscaping, but grading and drainage discharge can change requirements.
- Walls and steps can trigger permits based on height and conditions.
- Structures (covers, pavilions, louvered systems) commonly require permits.
- HOA/DRB may require review even when a City permit is not needed.
Start with: Permits & Inspections
Timeline (What Most Projects Actually Take)
- Scope lock and selections: 3 to 10 days (faster when you choose a package)
- Permits/HOA (if triggered): 2 to 8+ weeks
- Build: days to weeks depending on hardscape, drainage, and utilities scope
See: Project Timeline ·
Phased Remodel Roadmap
Lawn Replacement Quote Checklist (What to Demand in Writing)
- Square footage counts and areas included
- Demo and disposal scope
- Base plan and compaction method
- Edge detail plan (curb, soldier course, restraint)
- Seam method and perimeter restraint
- Drainage plan and discharge strategy
- Hardscape integration scope (if included)
- Conduit/sleeves for future upgrades (if included)
- Allowance list and substitution approval rules
- QA photo documentation before cover-up
Use:
Quote Template ·
Compare Bids ·
Bid Review
QA Photo Proof (Before Cover-Up)
- Before conditions
- Demo complete and rough grade
- Base depth checks and compaction
- Drain locations and routing before backfill
- Edge restraint detail
- Seams and perimeter method (in progress)
- Final wide shots and final detail shots
Documentation: QA & Documentation
FAQs
What is the best lawn replacement in San Diego?
The best replacement is the one that fixes drainage and edges. Turf alone does not solve ponding, odor, or messy transitions. A package that includes drainage, edging, and a usable patio zone performs best.
Is synthetic turf a good option?
Yes when installed as a system: correct base, seam strategy, edge restraint, and drainage plan. Start with: Artificial Grass Cost.
Do you do small lawn replacement jobs?
Minimum build projects start at $15,000. Repair or corrective work may be considered when it aligns with a larger scope and meets the minimum.