Finished turf and retaining wall walkthrough
Walkthrough of the completed artificial turf installation, clean turf-to-concrete transition, edge drain, capped retaining wall, mulch bed, and finished backyard details.
A Failing Wall Out, Country Manor In — El Cajon
Project Gallery
823 sf of SiteOne Turf1 Rye synthetic turf laid alongside the new Keystone Country Manor retaining wall in this transitional El Cajon backyard.
Transitional El Cajon backyard featuring 823 sf of synthetic rye turf, Keystone block retaining walls, and a linear French drain along the patio edge.
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Project Snapshot
Location
El Cajon (92019)
Style
Transitional
Timeline
About 8 build days
Price Range
$33k-$41k
Project Story
Overview
On a sloped El Cajon backyard in 92019, a failing segmental wall came out. A new Keystone Country Manor course went in on a fresh 93-foot footing, with 823 sf of SiteOne Turf1 Rye, a French drain behind the wall, and an SDR35 surface drain in front. Eight working days from demo to final walk.
The Challenge
- The backyard was bare compacted dirt for most of its area, leaving no usable outdoor space for the household.
- An existing retaining wall had deteriorated to the point it required complete demolition, along with 319 square feet of concrete slabs.
- Tree roots had pushed through the yard and the slope had no drainage infrastructure, so water ran unchecked toward the foundation after rain.
What Changed
The backyard replaced 319 sf of demolished concrete and wall with 208 sf of Keystone Country Manor segmental block wall and 823 sf of SiteOne Turf1 Rye synthetic turf. A 93 lf French drain system behind the wall and 40 lf of surface drain line now move rain water away from the foundation. Three months in, the wall hasn't moved, and the yard is pet-ready with no mowing or irrigation.
How Install It Direct Helped
The backyard at 92019 was mostly bare dirt bounded by a failing wall, with roots, poor drainage, and no surface that worked for people or pets. Install It Direct demolished the existing wall and concrete, pulled the tree roots, and built a new 208 sf Keystone Country Manor block wall on a 93 linear foot concrete footing. Behind the wall, the crew ran 93 linear feet of perforated French drain pipe and 40 linear feet of SDR35 drain line to move water away from the structure, then installed 823 square feet of SiteOne Turf1 Rye synthetic turf with antimicrobial pet infill and a weed barrier suited for a dog. The backyard now has a stable wall, clean turf, and drainage that handles rain without pooling.
Market Context
Retaining wall and artificial turf projects in El Cajon and the East County area typically run $30,000 to $45,000 when the scope includes a full wall rebuild on a concrete footing, French drain installation, and 800-plus square feet of synthetic turf with pet infill.
Neighborhood Context
This El Cajon property sits on a sloped residential lot in the 92019 ZIP code, where hillside grading and aging retaining walls are common site conditions that require engineered drainage solutions before new landscaping can be installed.
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Design & Build
The Plan
Layout centered on a continuous 93 lf segmental wall running along the slope, set on a 12-inch by 12-inch poured concrete footing for long-term stability
ORCO Keystone Country Manor block selected for its weathered-edge, textured-aged finish that blends with the hillside lot character; 93 cap units (Country Manor Square or Jumbo) finished the top course
French drain system (93 lf of 3-inch triple-wall perforated pipe with sleeve) installed behind the wall, directing slope water away from the foundation
40 lf of 3-inch SDR35 drain line with three drain caps routed surface water from the turf field to an approved collection point
SiteOne Turf1 Rye (72 oz, 1.5-inch pile, olive green/tan blades) chosen for its pet-appropriate density; Imperial Camofill antimicrobial/pet infill and weed barrier installed per homeowner preference for the household dog
BioBarrier root barrier (10 lf, 18 inches deep) installed along the turf perimeter to prevent future root intrusion
The Build
Sub-base prep and French drain installation underway ahead of synthetic turf placement in this El Cajon backyard project.
Project Videos
Final backyard turf and wall view
Second final-view clip showing the finished artificial turf, retaining wall, concrete edging, flagstone patio edge, mulch planter, and backyard transition details.
Investment
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a retaining wall and artificial turf installation cost in El Cajon?
A project of this scope in El Cajon, with 208 sf of segmental block wall on a concrete footing, 823 sf of synthetic turf, and full drainage, typically runs $33,000 to $41,000. The biggest cost drivers are wall footing length, how much concrete and old wall must be demolished, and the type of turf infill selected. Pet-grade antimicrobial infill adds cost but is useful for households with dogs.
Does a retaining wall in El Cajon require a permit?
Retaining wall permit requirements depend on wall height, site conditions, surcharge loads, and local jurisdiction. Homeowners should confirm requirements with the local building department before work begins, especially when a wall supports a fence, driveway, or slope above it.
How long does a backyard retaining wall and turf project take in El Cajon?
This project ran about 8 build days across roughly two calendar weeks from demolition through finished turf installation. Footing pours and block installation need sequencing time, and projects with significant tree root removal or soil hauling should budget extra time for site clearing before the wall sequence starts.
What artificial turf is best for a yard with dogs in El Cajon?
This project used SiteOne Turf1 Rye (72 oz, 1.5-inch pile) with Imperial Camofill antimicrobial pet infill and a weed barrier suited for a dog. The antimicrobial infill controls odor, and the heavier 72 oz construction holds up to paw traffic. URINE ZERO concentrate was also included for ongoing maintenance. Weed barrier under pet turf is worth adding since dogs disturb the edges and roots can work through standard landscape fabric over time.
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
Patrick Diehl
Install It Direct has built retaining walls and installed artificial turf on sloped East County lots where poor drainage and deteriorating walls make outdoor living impossible. This El Cajon project shows how the right wall system, drainage design, and turf selection work together on a hillside lot with pet and erosion concerns.
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