Evergreen Front and Back Yards, San Marcos Highlands

A full front-and-back yard conversion like this one in San Marcos Highlands, covering roughly 3,449 square feet of turf with concrete mow strip edging, gopher mesh underlayment, stepping stones, and seven drip irrigation zones, typically falls in the $86,000–$105,000 range when combined with planting, tree removal, and site work. Turf-only projects on smaller lots start significantly lower. The biggest cost drivers are total square footage, the condition of existing irrigation, and whether trees or significant demo work are required.

This project was completed in approximately five weeks from initial site setup through final checks. That included tree removal and stump grinding, full-yard grading, concrete mow strip forming and pouring, gopher mesh and turf installation across both yards, planting, and drip irrigation installation. Timeline can vary based on scope changes, material deliveries, and HOA coordination, this project had a brief delay related to an HOA review at the start.

In most cases, yes. California Civil Code Section 4735 makes HOA provisions that prohibit artificial turf void and unenforceable. Your HOA can impose reasonable quality and appearance standards, such as minimum pile height or color requirements, but cannot effectively ban turf outright. This project is located in an HOA community in San Marcos, and the turf installation proceeded after the HOA matter was resolved. If your HOA has flagged turf as a concern, it is worth reviewing Section 4735 with your HOA board before assuming a ban is enforceable.

Gopher mesh is a heavy wire barrier installed between the compacted subbase and the turf backing to prevent burrowing animals from tunneling up through the lawn. In San Marcos and other inland San Diego communities where gophers and ground squirrels are common, it is a practical long-term investment. On this project, 3,449 square feet of gopher mesh was installed under the full turf footprint before the turf rolls were placed. It adds labor cost but protects the turf from below-grade damage that would otherwise require pulling up and re-installing sections.

Most overhead sprinkler systems are capped or removed during a turf conversion because turf does not need irrigation and wet soil under the backing can cause issues over time. On this project, approximately 100 existing sprinkler heads and lines were capped. New drip irrigation was installed across seven zones specifically to water the planting beds, a much more efficient approach than overhead spray. If your property has existing irrigation infrastructure in poor condition, that should be assessed before installation begins, as was the case here where a pre-existing broken line required investigation before planting could proceed.

Artificial turf requires minimal maintenance compared to natural grass. On a project like this one using Imperial Desert Rye with silica sand infill, routine care includes occasional rinsing to remove dust and debris, light brushing to keep the blades upright, and removing leaves or organic material from the surface. There is no mowing, no watering of the turf itself, and no fertilizing. The drip irrigation on this property runs to the planting beds only. Periodic inspection of seams and edging is recommended, especially in the first year after installation.