Platt Project — San Diego Backyard Artificial Turf (Carmel Valley)
TL;DR
IID replaced the existing lawn with a large-format Desert Rye 65 turf system, concrete-set mow-strip edging, 24×24 stepping-stone paths, stabilized DG transitions, and targeted drainage/irrigation adjustments for a lower-effort backyard built for everyday use (Synthetic Turf, Drainage, Water Reduction, Low Maintenance).
Project Quick Facts
City San Diego
Neighborhood Carmel Valley (92130)
Constraints/Challenges Large continuous lawn footprint with tie-ins around existing hardscape features (pool + court + walkways)
Goals Replace lawn with a low-maintenance surface and reduce/eliminate regular watering needs
Scope Turf replacement, mow-strip border, stepping stones, stabilized DG, irrigation caps/relocations, drainage, demolition/haul-away, standard materials/hauling
Style Modern
Timeline ~5 weeks
RANGE $70k – $90k
Problem
- We wanted a low-maintenance backyard surface that doesn’t require constant watering.
- We were over the upkeep cycle of natural lawn—mowing, patching, and trying to keep it consistent.
- We needed the yard to feel more organized with cleaner edges and clearer paths around the existing outdoor features.
How IID Helped
IID guided the homeowner through a practical “swap the work, keep the lifestyle” upgrade—removing the existing sod/grass areas and installing a full turf-and-pathway system designed to reduce weekly maintenance while keeping the backyard easy to use around the existing pool/court/hardscape. The plan included clean borders (mow-strip edging), predictable access paths (stepping stones), stabilized DG transitions for cleaner side areas, plus targeted drainage and irrigation changes so turf areas aren’t being watered unnecessarily. Over 1,000 five-star reviews and 1,500+ San Diego homeowners served.
Plan
- Confirm the turf footprint and tie-in points so the new surface transitions cleanly into the existing yard features
- Remove grass/sod and rebuild the base to support a stable, even finished grade that directs water in a code-aligned way (CRC R401.3), without creating nuisance runoff.
- Convert the yard from “lawn watering” to “purpose-based irrigation” by capping and relocating sprinklers where needed (25 caps + 12 relocations).
- Install a complete turf system with proper restraint, seams, and infill so the surface stays consistent and the edges stay tight over time.
- Add hard-edged definition and access (mow-strip border + 24×24 stepping stones) and finish transitions with stabilized DG where appropriate.
Build
Phasing: Site protection → demo/excavation → base prep & fine grading → drainage + irrigation adjustments → mow-strip edging & stepping stones → turf install + seaming/infill → stabilized DG install → final detail + cleanup
• Verify final grading and water-shedding direction are code-aligned relative to the home (CRC R401.3) • Confirm irrigation caps/relocations function properly and don’t leak at transitions • Confirm drainage line placement and flow path work as intended • Inspect seams, edges, and transitions (turf-to-edge / turf-to-stone / turf-to-DG) before final sign-off
• Irrigation: 25 caps installed; 12 sprinkler heads relocated; irrigation scope included to ensure the system still functions cleanly after the lawn is removed • Drainage: 3" SDR35 drain line installed to manage runoff and reduce the chance of surface pooling
Result
The backyard now has a recorded 5,248 sq ft turf footprint (with 6,570 sq ft of Desert Rye 65 turf ordered for layout/cuts), plus defined circulation and crisp borders—18 stepping stones and 228 LF of mow-strip edging—so the space stays consistent without the weekly lawn-maintenance cycle.
Excellent Backyard Transformation
The new backyard is easy to maintain, stays green all year without watering, and blends perfectly with the rest of our outdoor space. The crew did a great job and the result is exactly what we wanted.
Project Details
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Artificial turf: Desert Rye 65 — 6,570 SF ordered (CIQ turf qty recorded at 5,248 SF)
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Infill: Envirofill — 130 bags; silica sand (50 lb) — qty 135
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Seaming & fastening: seam tape — 200 LF; turf nails — 10 boxes; 5″ 40D nails — qty 6 (50 lb boxes)
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Edging/restraint: bender board — 60 LF; stakes — 60 EA
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Drainage: SDR35 3″ drain line — 40 LF ordered
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Stabilized DG: 2 yards ordered (CIQ DG area recorded at 318 sq ft)
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Hardscape access & borders: 24×24 stepping stones set in concrete — qty 18; mow strip / paver-on-edge set in concrete — 228 LF
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Jobsite & demo: porta potty (qty 1); demolition labor (12 hours); haul-away (1.5 small loads)
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Existing lawn removed and subgrade corrected for a smooth, uniform turf installation
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Class II base compacted to prevent settling and maintain surface levelness
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SDR35 3-inch drainline installed to improve water flow and reduce surface pooling
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Grading adjusted to ensure proper surface runoff away from turf areas
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No modifications to planter irrigation—only lawn irrigation zones capped or relocated
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No permits required for turf replacement, edging, stepping stones, or decomposed granite installation
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No HOA approval noted or required for this scope of work
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Sold: 03/10/2025
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Job Start: 03/29/2025
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Job End: 05/05/2025
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Completion: 05/07/2025
Investment Breakdown
| Component | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Turf installation | $38,000 | $50,000 |
| Paver mow-strip border | $6,000 | $8,000 |
| Stepping stones | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Drainage system | $2,500 | $4,500 |
| Irrigation caps and relocations | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Decomposed granite installation | $1,500 | $3,000 |
| Standard materials and hauling | $5,000 | $8,000 |
| Whole Project Total | $65,000 | $85,000 |
Gallery
Wide turf field installed around the existing pool and sport court, creating a continuous, low-maintenance backyard surface that stays consistent year-round.
Artificial turf tied cleanly into the pool deck with controlled edge transitions to maintain a finished look without loose or uneven borders.
Twenty-four-inch stepping stones set in concrete to create a clear walking path across the turf without disrupting the surface.
Stabilized decomposed granite installed along the side-yard transition to provide a firm, clean pathway adjacent to existing landscape features.
FAQs
Do I need permits to replace grass with turf in San Diego?
Often, a like-for-like landscape swap doesn’t trigger building permits—but rules can change with grading, drainage changes, walls, or HOA requirements. We keep the scope aligned and help you verify what applies before work starts.
How do you prevent water from pooling on artificial turf?
Pooling is prevented by combining proper base prep with a code-aligned drainage approach (CRC R401.3) so water moves predictably away from structures and toward intended collection/dispersion areas. When needed, we integrate drain line solutions (like SDR35) to keep runoff controlled.
What happens to my existing sprinklers and irrigation zones?
For turf conversions, lawn watering zones are typically capped or relocated so you aren’t watering synthetic areas. On this project, 25 caps and 12 head relocations were included to keep the system functional while removing unnecessary lawn irrigation.
Will turf edges lift or separate over time?
Edges stay tight when the install includes proper restraint and fastening, plus clean transitions at borders (mow-strip, stone, DG). That’s why perimeter restraint (ex: bender board + stakes) and proper seaming/fastening matter.
Is turf a good fit around pools and active-use backyards?
Yes—turf is often chosen specifically for consistent footing and reduced upkeep around high-use areas. The key is clean transitions, stable base prep, and a thoughtful path plan so the space stays organized.
What maintenance is still required after a turf conversion?
Maintenance drops significantly, but it’s not zero: occasional rinsing, brushing, and debris removal keeps the surface consistent, especially in high-traffic zones and along edges.
3-Step Plan: What to Expect When Working With Install it Direct
Design
Site walk, 2D/3D concepts, and a written price range that fits your goals.
Build
We manage permits/HOA, drainage & utilities, inspections, and daily updates to your phone.
Enjoy
Final walkthrough, care guide, warranty, and ongoing service when you need us.
About The Project Manager
Troy MacMillian
Troy is a San Diego native, is a devoted husband and proud father of two daughters. With more than 20 years of experience in landscape construction, he brings a wealth of expertise and craftsmanship to every project. Outside of work, Troy enjoys maintaining his small weekend farm and has a passion for board sports, video games, gardening, and a good game of cornhole. Above all, he treasures his role as a father and the time he spends with his family.
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