New turf and a refreshed front planter with low-voltage path lights

Eastlake Front and Side Yard: Turf, Rock and a Refreshed Planter

This finished project was a $32.5k-$37.5k build.

Project Snapshot

Location Eastlake, Chula Vista (91914)
Style Transitional
Timeline About 3 weeks on site · April to May 2026
Price Range $32.5k-$37.5k

Chula Vista (Eastlake), CA 91914.

Artificial turf, paver mow strip, gravel and river rock beds, refreshed planter on drip, drainage and low-voltage lighting.

Signed March 2026. Crew on site April 20 to May 11, 2026; closed out May 15.

Project Story

Overview

After Install It Direct finished the backyard at this Eastlake home, the front and side yards came next. About 1,390 square feet of Synthetic Grass Warehouse turf, Apache Brown gravel and Arizona river rock, a 135 foot paver mow strip, a refreshed front planter on drip and 14 low-voltage lights on a timer now match the work out back. Three weeks on site, April 20 to May 11, 2026.

The Challenge

  • The front and side yards looked tired next to the backyard Install It Direct had already finished.
  • Ground cover needed replacing with something green that does not need mowing.
  • The front planter needed a refresh, and roof water needed a proper path away from the house.

What Changed

The front and side yards now match the backyard: about 1,390 square feet of turf framed by a paver mow strip, gravel and river rock beds, a refreshed planter and 14 lights. Three weeks on site; closed out May 15, 2026.

How INSTALL-IT-DIRECT Helped

Two inches of soil came off across about 600 square feet. Drain line went in with five downspout connections, then the paver mow strip was set in concrete to frame the turf. Turf with infill, gravel and river rock beds, the refreshed planter on drip and 14 lights followed.

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Side yard turf with a gravel bed and path lights along the fence
Side yard turf with a gravel bed and path lights along the fence

Design & Build

The Plan

  • Lay about 1,390 square feet of Synthetic Grass Warehouse turf with antimicrobial infill across the front and side yards.

  • Frame the turf with a 135 foot paver mow strip set in concrete.

  • Fill beds with Apache Brown gravel and Arizona river rock.

  • Refresh the front planter with new plants on drip irrigation.

  • Run 80 feet of drain line with five downspout connections, and light the yards with 14 low-voltage fixtures on a timer.

The Build

Demo

About 600 square feet of soil was cut two inches down and hauled off.

Drainage

80 feet of 3 inch SDR35 drain line went in with five downspout connections.

Mow strip

A 135 foot paver mow strip was set in concrete to frame the turf.

Turf and rock

About 1,390 square feet of turf went down with antimicrobial infill, and the beds were finished in Apache Brown gravel and Arizona river rock.

Planter and lighting

The front planter got new plants on drip irrigation, and 14 low-voltage fixtures (path, up and flood lights) went in on a 300 watt transformer with a timer.

Investment

What would a similar project cost in Chula Vista?

Toggle components on/off to estimate your project

Artificial turf (about 1,390 sq ft) $17,500 – $20,000
Gravel, river rock, planter and drip irrigation $7,000 – $8,000
Low-voltage lighting (14 fixtures) $2,000 – $2,500
Paver mow strip (135 ft) $2,000 – $2,500
Drainage and downspouts $1,500 – $2,000
Demo and site $2,000 – $3,000
Estimated Total

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does front yard turf with rock and lighting cost in Eastlake?

This front and side yard came in at about $32,500 to $37,500 for about 1,390 square feet of turf, a 135 foot mow strip, gravel and river rock beds, a refreshed planter on drip, drainage and 14 lights.

Why add a mow strip around artificial turf?

A paver mow strip set in concrete gives the turf a fixed edge, keeps rock and mulch out of it and holds the perimeter in place. This project used 135 feet of it.

Can a second phase match work done earlier?

Yes. This was the second phase at this home, and the front and side were designed to match the backyard Install It Direct built first.

How long did it take?

The crew was on site from April 20 to May 11, 2026, and the project closed out May 15.

Your Outdoor Project in 3 Simple Steps

1

Design

We listen to your vision, assess your space, and create a custom design that fits your lifestyle and budget.

2

Build

Our experienced crews bring the design to life with premium materials and expert craftsmanship.

3

Enjoy

Step into your transformed outdoor space and start making memories with family and friends.

Your Project Manager

Troy MacMillan

Troy MacMillan

A San Diego native with more than 20 years in landscape construction, Troy brings seasoned craftsmanship to every build. A devoted husband and father of two, he carries the same care from the job site to his weekend farm.

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