Top New Lawn Installation (Sod & Turf) in Chino Hills, California Ranked

Transforming a patch of dirt or an old, tired lawn into a vibrant, green space is a major home improvement project. Whether you choose the instant gratification of sod or the long-term, low-maintenance benefits of artificial turf, a professional new lawn installation enhances your property's curb appeal and usability. For homeowners in Chino Hills, navigating the options, costs, and process is key to a successful outcome. This guide will help you understand what's involved in turf or sod installation so you can make an informed decision and connect with qualified local professionals.

Rp Synthetic Turf

7740 Edison Ave #103, Fontana, CA 92336

Rp Synthetic Turf is a landscaping and hardscaping contractor based in Los Angeles, CA, specializing in artificial turf installation, custom putting greens, and landscape design. They provide full-service design and build solutions for residential and commercial outdoor spaces, focusing on creating maintenance-free, realistic synthetic lawns and tailored landscape features. Their expertise includes high-quality synthetic turf products and custom hardscape elements such as pavers and retaining walls. The company emphasizes personalized service and craftsmanship, with a history of positive client feedback highlighting their attention to detail and project management.

5.0

142 Reviews

Elite Artificial Grass

8548 Quiet Woods St, Chino, CA 91708

Elite Artificial Grass is a turf installation company based in Los Angeles, CA, specializing in artificial turf for residential, commercial, pet, golf putting greens, and playground applications. They offer a variety of turf options, including twelve different brands, to suit diverse lifestyle needs. Their commercial turf installations are designed to withstand high-traffic areas while maintaining a clean appearance. They also provide professional turf cleaning and restoration services to keep lawns fresh and odor-free.

5.0

124 Reviews

Droughtscape

Angeles Crest Hwy, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011

Droughtscape is a landscaping and outdoor construction company based in Los Angeles, CA. With over 45 years of experience, they specialize in drought and fire-resistant landscape design and installation, hardscaping, irrigation, fencing, artificial turf, and more. Their services cover a wide range of outdoor improvements including interlocking pavers, decks, pergolas, retaining walls, and yard drainage. Droughtscape serves multiple neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area, focusing on water-saving and sustainable landscaping solutions that suit various home styles. They emphasize clear communication and quality craftsmanship to provide a smooth project experience.

5.0

87 Reviews

Green X Turf Artificial Grass

10050 6th St UNIT L, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Green X Turf Artificial Grass is a sod installation and artificial turf installer based in Los Angeles, CA. They serve Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Orange, and Riverside counties, offering synthetic grass solutions for both residential and commercial properties. Their installations provide durable, low-maintenance lawns that do not require fertilizer, pesticides, or watering. With over 15 years of experience, Green X Turf focuses on creating lawns that are suitable for families and pets, as well as specialized surfaces like putting greens. They also offer maintenance products and optional scheduled upkeep services.

5.0

68 Reviews

Irrigation Pros

los angeles

Irrigation Pros is a locally owned landscaping company serving Orange County, including Santa Ana, Irvine, Newport Beach, and Mission Viejo. They specialize in sprinkler repair, sod installation, drainage solutions, and artificial turf installation. Their services focus on efficient irrigation systems tailored to the local climate, preventing water waste and yard damage. The company offers top-grade sod and drip irrigation systems designed for sustainability and water savings. Irrigation Pros operates with years of experience in the area and provides 24/7 availability for urgent sprinkler and drainage issues.

4.9

131 Reviews

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Understanding Your Options: Natural Sod vs. Synthetic Turf

The first decision in your lawn replacement project is choosing between natural grass sod and artificial turf. Each has distinct advantages suited to different lifestyles and priorities.

Sod Installation provides an immediate, living lawn. Rolls of pre-grown grass are delivered and laid onto prepared soil, offering instant green coverage. It's a popular choice for those who enjoy the look and feel of natural grass and don't mind the ongoing maintenance of watering, mowing, and fertilizing. In Chino Hills' climate, selecting a drought-tolerant grass variety is a smart consideration for water conservation ¹.

Artificial Turf Installation, or synthetic grass, has become increasingly popular in Southern California. It offers a perpetually green lawn without the need for watering, mowing, or chemical treatments. Modern turf products are highly realistic in appearance and texture, providing a durable, pet-friendly surface that stands up to heavy use and saves thousands of gallons of water annually ².

The Installation Process: From Groundwork to Green

A successful lawn installation, whether sod or turf, hinges on meticulous site preparation. Skipping or shortcutting these steps is the leading cause of lawn failure or an uneven artificial surface.

Site Clearance and Excavation

The process begins with removing the existing lawn, weeds, rocks, and debris. For sod, this typically involves stripping away the old grass. For artificial turf, more extensive excavation is required-usually 3 to 4 inches deep-to make room for the stable base layer ^{3 4}. This initial demolition phase typically costs between $0.25 and $0.50 per square foot ⁵.

Soil Preparation and Grading

This is the most critical phase for long-term success. For a sod lawn, the soil must be tilled, leveled, and amended with compost or starter fertilizer to give the new grass roots a healthy environment to establish ⁴.

For synthetic grass, proper grading for drainage is absolutely essential. The subsoil must be sloped away from your home's foundation to prevent water from pooling on or under the turf. In some cases, French drains or other drainage solutions may need to be added, which can increase the project cost ^{3 5}.

Building the Base (Crucial for Turf)

A synthetic lawn requires a multi-layer foundation for stability and drainage. After grading, a 2-3 inch layer of compacted crushed rock or decomposed granite is installed. This is followed by a geotextile weed barrier fabric, which blocks weeds from growing up through the turf ^{4 5}. This foundational work ensures your artificial lawn remains flat, dry, and beautiful for years.

Laying and Finishing

For sod, rolls are carefully laid in a staggered brick-like pattern, seams are tamped down, and the entire area is immediately soaked with water to prevent the grass from drying out.

For artificial turf, large rolls are positioned, trimmed, and seamed together invisibly. Once laid, a layer of silica sand or specialized infill is brushed into the turf blades. This infill weighs down the turf, helps the blades stand upright, and provides cushioning ^{3 5}.

Project Timelines: What to Expect

Understanding the timeline helps set realistic expectations. A professional crew can work efficiently, but quality takes time.

• Artificial Turf Installation: For a standard residential yard, the complete process-from demolition to final brush-up-typically takes 1 to 3 days^{3 6}. Larger or more complex properties will naturally take longer.
• Sod Installation: The timeline for a sod lawn can vary more widely, generally taking 1 to 5 days depending on the size of the area and the extent of soil preparation required ^{1 7}. The initial installation is quicker than turf, but the lawn requires immediate and careful watering to establish.

Cost Breakdown for Chino Hills Homeowners

Costs for lawn installation in Chino Hills vary significantly based on the size of your yard, site conditions, material quality, and labor. Here's a detailed breakdown based on current local data.

Artificial Turf Installation Costs

Artificial turf is a larger upfront investment but offers long-term savings on water and maintenance. Costs are usually quoted per square foot for materials and professional installation ^{8 9}.

• Small Yards (under 400 sq. ft.): $14 - $20+ per sq. ft. Smaller projects have higher per-square-foot costs due to fixed labor and material minimums.
• Medium Yards (600 - 1,200 sq. ft.): $9 - $12+ per sq. ft. This is a common range for an average backyard installation.
• Large Yards (over 2,000 sq. ft.): Around $9 - $10.50+ per sq. ft. Economies of scale bring the per-foot price down on larger projects.
• High-End & Complex Jobs: Premium turf products, intricate designs, or challenging sites (like steep slopes) can push costs to $12 - $20 per square foot⁹.

Sod Installation Costs

Sod costs are influenced by the type of grass (e.g., Bermuda, Fescue, St. Augustine) and the complexity of site prep ^{1 10}.

• Sod Materials Only: Purchasing the sod rolls yourself typically costs $1 - $2 per square foot.
• Professional Sod Installation (Materials & Labor): Hiring a professional for the full service, including ground preparation and installation, generally ranges from $2 - $6 per square foot. Projects requiring extensive grading, soil amendment, or old lawn removal will be on the higher end, often $4.50 - $6+ per square foot^{4 10}.

Key Considerations for a Successful Project

• DIY vs. Professional Installation: While a DIY sod or turf project can save on labor costs, it requires specialized tools, heavy lifting, and precise knowledge of drainage and base construction. Professional installers guarantee proper grading, seamless installation, and often provide warranties on their workmanship ^{1 11}.
• Verifying Contractor Credentials: Always ensure your contractor holds the appropriate California State License Board (CSLB) license. For artificial turf, a C-61/D-12 classification is standard. Hiring a licensed professional protects you and ensures the work meets local codes ⁸.
• The Water Conservation Advantage: In Chino Hills and throughout Southern California, artificial turf offers a significant ecological and financial benefit by eliminating lawn watering. This can lead to substantial savings on your water bill and supports regional drought-mitigation efforts ^{2 12}.

Frequently asked questions

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