Overgrown Escondido Yard Reset with Turf, Beach Pebble and New Planting
This finished project was a $23k-$26k build.
Project Gallery
About 490 sq ft of turf over gopher mesh, with the new planting bed along the fence
The side yard: a turf strip along the block wall and step pads in beach pebble beside the house
The back lawn, with new shrubs and small trees in mulched beds along the fence
The front slope, cleared and replanted with succulents and shrubs in shredded fir mulch
Build: gopher mesh across the lawn area, with base rock piled for grading
Build: concrete step pads poured in wood forms along the side yard
Build: turf down along the block wall, with the plate compactor still on the patio
Project Snapshot
Project Story
Overview
This Escondido yard in 92029 had grown over, with little hardscape and nothing defined. Install It Direct cleared it and rebuilt it around about 490 square feet of synthetic turf laid over gopher mesh, about 200 square feet of beach pebble, about 1,000 square feet of mulched planting beds with 30 new plants on drip irrigation, concrete stepping pads and a new drain line. Two weeks on site in August 2026.
The Challenge
- The yard was overgrown, with plants taking over the space and little hardscape to give it shape.
- It had little curb appeal: no defined lawn, beds or edges.
- Gophers are active in the area, so new turf and planting needed protection from below.
What Changed
How INSTALL-IT-DIRECT Helped
Over 1,000 five-star reviews and 1,500+ San Diego homeowners served.
Before & After
Before: a bare dirt side yard along the block wall
After: turf along the wall and step pads in beach pebble beside the house
Before: a dirt backyard with plants waiting in nursery pots
After: a turf lawn with new shrubs and trees in mulched beds along the fence
Design & Build
The Plan
Clear the overgrowth and lay gopher mesh across about 1,480 square feet before any surface goes down.
Install about 490 square feet of Kentucky Bluegrass Supreme synthetic turf with Envirofill infill as the green center of the yard.
Add about 200 square feet of beach pebble and about 1,000 square feet of shredded fir mulch over weed barrier to define the beds.
Plant 30 new gallon plants on drip irrigation run by a new Hunter Pro-C controller.
Pour concrete stepping pads and run a 50 foot drain line to move water away from the new surfaces.
The Build
Clearing
Overgrown plants and debris were removed and hauled off.
Gopher mesh and drainage
Gopher mesh went down across about 1,480 square feet, and a 50 foot 3 inch SDR35 drain line was installed.
Irrigation and pads
The beds were moved to a pressure-regulated drip valve on a Hunter Pro-C controller, and about 65 square feet of concrete stepping pads were poured.
Turf, rock and planting
About 490 square feet of turf went down with infill, followed by beach pebble, weed barrier, mulch and 30 new plants.
Investment
What would a similar project cost in Escondido?
Toggle components on/off to estimate your project
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a turf and planting refresh cost in Escondido?
This yard came in at about $23,000 to $26,000 for about 490 square feet of turf over gopher mesh, beach pebble, about 1,000 square feet of mulched beds with 30 new plants on drip, concrete stepping pads and a drain line.
Do you need gopher mesh under artificial turf in Escondido?
Where gophers are active, yes. Mesh under the turf and beds keeps them from tunneling up through the new surface. This project used about 1,480 square feet of it.
Can you convert old sprinklers to drip during a yard refresh?
Yes. Here the beds were moved to a pressure-regulated drip valve on a new Hunter Pro-C controller, which waters plants at the roots instead of spraying.
How long did the project take?
The crew was on site from August 17 to August 28, 2026, and the project closed out September 11.
Your Outdoor Project in 3 Simple Steps
Design
We listen to your vision, assess your space, and create a custom design that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Build
Our experienced crews bring the design to life with premium materials and expert craftsmanship.
Enjoy
Step into your transformed outdoor space and start making memories with family and friends.
Your Project Manager
Chris MacMillan
A San Diego native, Chris grew up in his family's North County landscaping business and went on to launch his own custom outdoor-living company. He combines a finance background with hands-on construction expertise to help homeowners get the most out of San Diego's year-round outdoor living.
More Projects
More from Chris MacMillan
San Carlos Front Yard with Pavers, Turf and a White Picket Fence
San Diego
Paver Patio, Fire Pit & Outdoor Kitchen in Bonita
Bonita
A Whole-Yard Santee Transformation: Paver Driveway, Fire Pit & Turf
Santee
Pool Deck Pavers and Fire Pit, Carmel Valley, San Diego
San Diego
A Paver-and-Turf Backyard Rebuild in Mira Mesa
San Diego
Ready to Transform Your Outdoor Space?
Let's discuss your project and bring your vision to life.