You’re here because you want to know what the average cost of turf in Los Angeles is—and whether the price tag fits your budget and long‑term goals. The short answer: most Angelenos invest between $8 and $15 per square foot for a full, professionally installed lawn, with total project prices typically landing in the $6 000–$26 000 range depending on yard size and features.
Below, you’ll find a detailed, 2 000‑square‑foot‑friendly breakdown of where every dollar goes, how different turf options compare, and practical ways you can keep costs in check—without sacrificing that lush, year‑round green.
Snapshot: LA Turf Pricing at a Glance
Average Turf Cost per Square Foot – Los Angeles
Typical Project Totals
7 Factors That Push Your Price Up—or Down
1. Project Size and Shape
The bigger and simpler your space, the lower your square‑foot cost. You’ll pay extra when installers must hand‑cut curves around pavers, trees, or odd angles. Expect 15 – 20 % labor premiums for intricate designs or steep slopes.
2. Turf Weight, Density & Pile Height
Heavier, ultra‑plush products (face weight 80 oz +) mimic luxury fescue but require more raw material, bumping material cost toward the top end. Shorter, lighter blades drain faster, making them ideal (and cheaper) for pet areas.
3. Fiber Type
Nylon – strongest, heat‑resistant, highest price.Polyethylene – soft, realistic, mid‑range price (LA’s most popular).
Polypropylene – budget‑friendly, best for décor not daily play.
4. Site Preparation
Removing existing sod, roots, or concrete increases labor hours and dump fees; so does trucking in Class II road base for proper drainage. Limited alleyway access or no driveway? Add forklift rentals or wheelbarrow time.
5. Add‑Ons & Upgrades
Pet deodorizing infill, cooling top‑dressings, padding for play areas, gopher mesh, putting‑green fringe, and premium edging each tack $0.50 – $3 per sq ft onto the tab.
6. Contractor Quality & Credentials
Licensed, insured pros who follow ASTM installation guidelines charge more than “pickup‑truck crews,” yet they include warranties (often eight years on workmanship) and proper compaction testing—saving you costly re‑levels later.
7. Market Timing
Late summer and early fall are peak turf seasons in LA. Booking winter or early‑spring installs can unlock off‑season discounts of 5 – 10 %, while material prices sometimes jump after drought‑related demand spikes.
How to Keep Your LA Turf Project on Budget
Buy in bulk—friends or neighbors can split a 15‑ft‑wide roll and share delivery fees.
Opt for polyethylene mid‑pile (1.5 – 1.75 in.) for everyday lawns—you’ll strike the right balance between softness and price.
Request separate line items for demo, base work, and turf so you can DIY simpler tasks if you’re handy.
Compare at least three bids and scrutinize base depth (4 in. minimum) to be sure lower prices aren’t hiding flimsy prep.
Time your install for January–March when crews are less busy.
Red Flags That Signal a “Too‑Cheap” Quote
No mention of a permeable crushed‑rock sub‑base or geotextile weed barrier
Less than 3 lbs per square foot of infill specified
Cash‑only or “we’ll add the license later” promises
One‑day installs on areas larger than 1 000 sq ft
Warranty shorter than five years
If a bid sounds too good to be true, it probably skips crucial steps that keep turf flat, cool, and odor‑free over its 15‑ to 25‑year lifespan.
Long‑Term Return on Your Turf Investment
Even at $15 per sq ft, quality artificial grass pays itself off in roughly five to seven years through:
Up to 55 % lower water bills versus maintaining natural sod
Elimination of weekly mowing and seasonal fertilizing costs
Greater curb appeal and potential property value bump
Year‑round usability—no muddy shoes after LA’s rare rainstorms
Durability for high‑traffic play zones or pet runs, reducing patch repairs
With LA’s Tier 2 drought pricing, an average household saves 20 000–40 000 gallons of water annually, making turf a fiscally and environmentally smart move.
Ready to Roll Out a Lush, Low‑Maintenance Lawn?
You now understand the real numbers behind the average cost of turf in Los Angeles and all the variables that nudge that number higher or lower. Armed with these insights, you’re positioned to gather precise quotes, sidestep corner‑cutters, and invest confidently in a yard that stays picture‑perfect every single day of the year.