Top New Lawn Installation (Sod & Turf) in West Covina, California Ranked

Transforming a patch of dirt or an old, tired lawn into a lush, green expanse is one of the most impactful home improvements you can make. In West Covina, this means choosing between the instant gratification of sod and the long-term, water-saving benefits of artificial turf. A new lawn installation is more than just laying down grass; it's a complex process of site preparation, soil management, and expert installation that ensures your yard is beautiful, functional, and durable for years to come. This guide will help you understand the key considerations, processes, and local factors involved in creating a perfect new lawn in our community.

Green Advisor Inc.

7660 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Green Advisor Inc. is a landscaping and remodeling company based in Los Angeles, CA. They provide comprehensive landscape design and construction services, including hardscaping, irrigation system installation, and custom outdoor renovations. Their expertise extends to pool construction, patio and deck building, and eco-friendly home remodeling projects. The company is recognized for its award-winning landscape designs and sustainable outdoor solutions. Green Advisor Inc. also offers 3D design services to help clients visualize their projects. They serve the Greater Los Angeles area, including the San Fernando Valley, and collaborate with trusted suppliers to ensure quality materials and craftsmanship.

5.0

250 Reviews

US Family Turf - Artificial Grass Installation

3740 Overland Ave UNIT H, Los Angeles, CA 90034

US Family Turf - Artificial Grass Installation provides artificial turf installation services in Los Angeles, CA. They specialize in durable and realistic artificial grass designed for family life, featuring antimicrobial protection, dog-friendly turf, and advanced cooling technology to maintain a fresh and comfortable surface. Their turf also includes a built-in weed barrier and UV resistance to ensure long-lasting appearance. The company offers a 25-year product warranty and a 3-year labor warranty, reflecting their commitment to quality. Locally owned and operated, US Family Turf is an active member of the Culver City Chamber of Commerce.

5.0

153 Reviews

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

Cocoturf

4935 McConnell Ave Unit 5, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Cocoturf is a locally owned company based in Los Angeles, CA, specializing in artificial turf installation and landscape design for residential and commercial properties. With over 30 years of experience, they provide premium artificial turf systems that mimic natural grass, featuring advanced cooling technology and non-toxic materials. Cocoturf offers custom landscape designs and precise installations, focusing on durable and safe turf solutions made in the USA.

5.0

110 Reviews

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Understanding Your Options: Natural Sod vs. Artificial Turf

The first and most significant decision is choosing the type of lawn. Each option serves different lifestyles and priorities.

Natural Sod offers that classic, living lawn feel. It provides a cool surface, a natural scent, and can be a great choice if you enjoy gardening. However, it requires consistent watering, mowing, and fertilization, especially in Southern California's climate. For West Covina homeowners, choosing drought-tolerant sod varieties is a smart move for long-term sustainability and lower water bills.

Artificial Turf, on the other hand, has become a premier choice for its low maintenance and evergreen appearance. Modern synthetic grass looks incredibly realistic, stays green year-round without water, and is perfect for high-traffic areas, play spaces, and pet owners. It represents a higher initial investment but offers significant savings on water and lawn care services over time, making it a popular and practical choice in our region ^{1 2}.

The Critical First Step: Site Preparation

Whether you choose sod or synthetic grass, proper site preparation is the non-negotiable foundation for a successful installation. Skipping or skimping on prep work is the leading cause of lawn failure, uneven surfaces, and drainage problems.

Clearing and Removal: The process begins with the complete removal of any existing grass, weeds, roots, and debris. For turf projects, this also includes removing old hardscaping materials to create a clean slate ^{3 4}.

Grading and Drainage: This is arguably the most crucial step, particularly given West Covina's clay-heavy soil, which is prone to compaction and poor drainage ³. The ground must be graded to create a slight slope (typically 1-2%) away from your home's foundation to prevent water pooling. For artificial turf installations, this often involves excavating several inches and installing a base layer of decomposed granite or road base, which is then compacted to create a stable, permeable foundation ^{5 2 6}. For sod, the existing soil may need deep aeration and amending with compost or sand to improve its structure and help the new grass roots establish themselves.

Weed Barrier and Edging: A high-quality geotextile weed barrier is essential under artificial turf to prevent weeds from growing through ^{4 6}. For both turf and sod, installing durable edging-such as bender board or treated lumber-around the perimeter creates a clean border and helps contain the materials ³.

Breaking Down the Costs of Lawn Installation

Understanding the investment required helps in planning and budgeting. Costs are typically calculated per square foot and vary widely based on materials, site complexity, and labor.

Sod Installation Costs: For natural sod in the Los Angeles area, homeowners can expect to pay between $1.00 and $3.00 per square foot for a basic installation. If your site requires extensive grading, soil amendment, or complex shaping, that price can rise to $4.50 to $6.00 per square foot ⁵. The cost includes the sod itself, delivery, labor for installation, and initial watering.

Artificial Turf Installation Costs: Synthetic grass involves a higher upfront cost due to the material price and more intensive site prep. In California, installation costs typically range from $5.00 to $20.00 per square foot ^{1 2 7}. A basic installation for a 1,000-square-foot yard might start around $5,000, while a premium installation with high-end turf, extensive base preparation, and custom features can reach $20,000 or more ^{1 8}. The price reflects the quality of the turf product, the depth and composition of the base materials, drainage systems, and the complexity of the project layout.

The Installation Timeline: From Dirt to Green

How long the project takes depends on its scale, weather conditions, and the preparation required.

DIY Preparation: If you decide to handle the site prep yourself-such as removing old grass and debris-this can take anywhere from a few days to a week for an average-sized yard, depending on your available time and the tools you have ^{3 9}.

Professional Installation: For a professional crew, a straightforward installation on a small to medium-sized lawn can often be completed in 1 to 3 days. Larger properties, those with significant grading challenges, or projects with custom landscaping elements integrated with the new lawn can extend the timeline to a week or more ^{3 10}. Professional installers have the equipment and expertise to work efficiently, ensuring each step is done correctly before moving on to the next.

Your Role in the Project: DIY vs. Professional Help

Determining your level of involvement can affect both cost and outcome.

Where DIY Makes Sense: Homeowners can potentially save money by taking on the initial demolition and clearing work. Removing an old lawn, pulling weeds, and clearing the area are labor-intensive but straightforward tasks. Some very handy individuals may also consider installing the weed barrier for a turf project ⁹. However, it's vital to be realistic about the physical labor and time required.

When to Hire a Professional: The complexities of grading, drainage, and final installation are where professional expertise becomes invaluable ^{3 10 2}. Professionals understand how to properly slope the land for West Covina's occasional heavy rains, how to compact a base for artificial turf that won't shift or become uneven, and how to install sod seams or turf seams for an invisible, professional finish. For ensuring the longevity and beauty of your investment, especially with artificial turf, professional installation is highly recommended ¹.

Long-Term Care and Enjoyment

After installation, the care routines diverge.

Caring for New Sod: A new sod lawn requires diligent watering to keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) as the roots knit into the ground below. Avoid heavy foot traffic for the first few weeks. After the sod is established, a regular schedule of mowing, fertilizing, and aeration will keep it healthy.

Maintaining Artificial Turf: Synthetic grass is famously low-maintenance. It requires occasional rinsing to remove dust and debris, brushing with a stiff broom to keep the blades upright, and promptly cleaning up pet waste. Unlike natural grass, there is no need for mowing, watering, or applying chemicals.

Frequently asked questions

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