San Diego Lawn Replacement Packages (2026): Turf + Hardscape + Drainage
Updated January 2026 – San Diego County
Most “lawn replacement” content online is DIY ideas. Real San Diego lawn replacement that performs is a systems project: grade control, drainage and lawful discharge, clean edges, and smart hardscape integration. If you replace grass without fixing water and edges, you get ponding, smell, weeds, and ugly transitions.
This page is the premium, build-ready version: turf and full replacements integrated with hardscape and drainage, designed to meet a real outdoor living goal.
We do not offer maintenance plans or small service-call work.
Educational only (not legal advice). Permit and HOA requirements vary by jurisdiction (City of San Diego vs County vs other cities) and parcel overlays/HOA rules.
We do turf installs and full replacements, but we do not offer turf repair/maintenance programs or maintenance-only work.
- Drainage first: slope, capture points, and a defined discharge path.
- Clean edges: curbs, soldier courses, or defined restraints that prevent edge curl and weed lines.
- Correct base: layered base designed for your use (family, pets, high-traffic, putting green).
- Hardscape integration: a real patio/entertaining zone beats “a big rectangle of turf.”
- Heat and slip choices: material selection based on comfort and safety.
- Utilities planning: sleeves and conduit before hardscape if you might add lighting, kitchen, or a cover later.
- Proof: photo documentation of base and drains before cover-up.
Costs: San Diego Lawn Replacement in 2026 (Planning Ranges)
TL;DR planning ranges (installed):
- Lawn Replacement Core (turf replacement + correct base + clean edges + minor drainage corrections): $15k–$35k
- Hybrid Entertainer (turf + a real patio zone + edging + lighting-ready conduit): $35k–$85k
- Backyard Entertaining Core (patio + shade + kitchen-ready utilities + lighting + turf): $75k–$160k
- Full Outdoor Living Conversion (multi-zone + drainage upgrades + utilities + finishes): $120k–$250k+
Detailed turf specs and per-square-foot ranges: Artificial Grass Cost (San Diego) ·
Full remodel ranges: Backyard Remodel Cost
Packages: Turf + Hardscape + Drainage (Pick the Right Program)
| Package | What’s Included | Typical Installed |
|---|---|---|
| Good – Lawn Replacement Core | Full demo and correct base, clean edging/curb strategy, seam and perimeter restraint plan, minor drainage corrections, grade protection at the house | $15k–$35k |
| Better – Hybrid Entertainer | All “Good” plus a defined patio zone (pavers or porcelain), upgraded edging, lighting-ready conduit, improved drainage capture/discharge | $35k–$85k |
| Best – Outdoor Living Conversion | Patio + shade structure, kitchen-ready utilities, lighting scenes, drainage upgrades, walls/steps as needed, turf or green zone for play and balance | $85k–$250k+ |
Adders: What Makes Lawn Replacement Quotes Swing
| Adder | Why It Matters | What to Require |
|---|---|---|
| Drainage and discharge | Odor, ponding, and failures usually trace back to water | Drain locations + a defined discharge path |
| Grade changes and walls | Adds structure, behind-wall drainage, and sometimes permits/engineering | Wall height assumptions + drainage behind wall notes |
| Hardscape integration | Patio zones and transitions require better base and edges | Square footage counts + edge detail plan |
| Utilities and trenching | Lighting, future kitchen, or cover needs sleeves and routing | Trench route + included linear feet + overage rule |
Deep guide: San Diego Outdoor Living Hidden Costs
Specs to Demand (So Turf Does Not Fail)
- Weep screed / foundation clearance: do not raise grade against the home.
- Base plan: layered base and compaction method defined in writing.
- Seams and edges: method described and perimeter restraint defined.
- Drainage plan: where water goes in a heavy storm and after wash-down.
- Odor strategy (if pets): infill and rinse strategy selected up front.
Full turf system guide: Artificial Grass Cost (Specs + Pet Odor) ·
Contractor selection: Best Artificial Turf Contractors
Hardscape Options (What Pairs Best With Turf)
- Paver patios: warm, versatile, and repairable. See Pavers Cost.
- Porcelain patios: crisp modern look and low absorption. See Porcelain Paver Cost.
- Permeable pavers: stormwater strategy when designed as a system. See Permeable Pavers Cost.
Contractor selection: Best Hardscape Contractors
Drainage (The #1 Reason Lawn Replacement “Does Not Work”)
If water cannot leave the yard cleanly, everything fails: turf smells, patios pond, and edges lift.
The best lawn replacement projects define slope, capture points, and discharge before any finish is installed.
Permits and HOA (When Lawn Replacement Triggers Approvals)
- Turf itself is often treated as landscaping, but grading and discharge constraints can change the requirements.
- Walls and steps can trigger permits based on height and conditions.
- Structures (covers, pavilions, louvered systems) commonly require permits.
- HOA/DRB may require review even when a City permit is not needed.
Start with: Permits & Inspections
Timeline (Design, Install, and When It Slows Down)
- Scope lock and selections: 3–10 days (faster when you choose a package)
- Permits/HOA (if triggered): 2–8+ weeks
- Build: days to weeks depending on hardscape, drainage, and utilities scope
See: Project Timeline · Phased Roadmap
Lawn Replacement Quote Checklist (What to Demand in Writing)
- Square footage counts and areas included
- Demo and disposal scope
- Base plan and compaction method
- Edge detail plan (curb, soldier course, restraint)
- Seam method and perimeter restraint
- Drainage plan and discharge strategy
- Hardscape integration scope (if included)
- Conduit/sleeves for future upgrades (if included)
- Allowance list and substitution approval rules
- QA photo documentation before cover-up
Use: Quote Template ·
Compare Bids ·
Spec Control ·
Bid Review
QA Photo Proof (Before Cover-Up)
- Before conditions
- Demo complete and rough grade
- Base depth checks and compaction
- Drain locations and routing before backfill
- Edge restraint detail
- Seams and perimeter method (in progress)
- Final wide shots and final detail shots
Documentation standard: QA & Documentation
FAQs
How much does lawn replacement cost in San Diego?
Most premium lawn replacement packages start at $15k and range upward based on drainage, edges, access, and hardscape integration. Full outdoor living conversions commonly land $85k–$250k+.
Is turf better than drought-tolerant plants?
It depends on your priorities. Turf is often chosen for play and clean modern aesthetics. Plant-forward xeriscape is chosen for biodiversity and a softer garden feel. The key is designing water and edges correctly for either approach.
Do you do turf repairs?
No maintenance-only or repair-only work. Repair or corrective work may be considered when it aligns with a larger scope and meets our $15k minimum.
Do I need a permit to replace grass?
Often turf itself is treated as landscaping, but grading, drainage discharge, walls, and structures can trigger permits and HOA approvals. Verify early if scope expands beyond surface replacement.
Educational only. Always verify jurisdiction and parcel-specific constraints (City vs County, Coastal/ESL overlays, HOA/DRB rules). For legal advice, consult a California construction attorney.