Water Savings. Year-Round Green. HOA-Compliant Systems.
California's ongoing drought restrictions and LADWP/MWD rebate programs have made artificial turf the most practical alternative to natural grass for South Bay homeowners. Premium synthetic turf — properly specified, prepared, and installed — is virtually indistinguishable from maintained natural grass in appearance, provides a safe and durable surface for pets and children, and requires zero irrigation, fertilization, or mowing. Paragon installs turf systems with proper base preparation and drainage — the most critical and most commonly shortcut step.
Choosing the Right Turf System
Water Savings
A typical 500 square foot South Bay lawn consumes approximately 27,500 gallons of water per year. At current LADWP Tier 2 rates, that's $350–$600/year in water costs. Artificial turf eliminates this entirely, and LADWP and MWD currently offer rebates of $2–$3 per square foot for turf removal and replacement — reducing your net installation cost substantially. We help clients navigate the rebate application process.
Quality Tiers
Consumer-grade turf (sold at big-box stores) uses C-shape or V-shape blade profiles that flatten quickly and look artificial in photographs. Premium architectural turf uses multi-blade profiles (S-shape, W-shape) with varying pile heights that mimic the visual texture of Bermuda or Fescue grass. Paragon specifies 50–60 oz face weight turf with a 10-year minimum warranty — not the 32 oz product that looks good on day one and mats within 18 months.
Infill Selection
The infill material determines how turf performs for your specific use. Silica sand is the most common — affordable, heavy, and effective. Crumb rubber (recycled tire) adds cushion but is increasingly controversial for children and pets. Zeolite infill is the premium choice for pet applications — it's antimicrobial, absorbs ammonia odors, and is completely non-toxic. Paragon offers crumb-rubber-free options as standard for any residential installation.
Turf Installation Process
- 01Site assessment and drainage evaluation — proper sub-base drainage is the most critical factor in turf longevity. We assess your existing drainage before any recommendation.
- 02Existing lawn removal — natural grass, roots, and any existing rock or mulch are removed and hauled off. Thorough removal prevents future organic decomposition under the turf.
- 03Sub-base preparation — 3–4 inches of crushed aggregate (Class II base rock) is installed and compacted to 95% Proctor density. This is what separates a 2-year installation from a 15-year one.
- 04Weed barrier installation — commercial-grade landscape fabric is installed over the compacted base to prevent weed penetration without impeding drainage.
- 05Turf cutting, seaming, and installation — rolls are cut to fit the area with seams positioned away from high-visibility sight lines. Seams are joined with adhesive and seam tape rated for the infill type.
- 06Infill installation and brushing — infill is mechanically spread at the specified rate and the turf is power-brushed to stand the blades upright and distribute infill evenly.
- 07Perimeter securing — edges are secured with galvanized nails at 4-inch intervals or to bender board in areas without concrete borders. No visible nail heads.
Artificial Turf Capabilities
- Residential front and back lawn installation
- Pet turf systems (zeolite infill, perforated backing)
- Putting greens and practice areas
- Rooftop deck and balcony turf
- HOA-compliant artificial grass systems
- LADWP/MWD turf removal rebate coordination
- Crumb-rubber-free infill systems
- Multi-zone pet and children's turf design
- Existing turf removal and replacement
- Drainage correction beneath turf
- Edging and bender board installation
- Irrigation system capping and removal
Artificial Turf — Frequently Asked Questions
- Does artificial turf get too hot in the South Bay summer?
- Synthetic turf does absorb heat — surface temperatures on a hot South Bay day can reach 150–160°F on dark-colored products. This is mitigated by color selection (lighter, more natural green tones absorb less heat), by choosing turf with a cooling infill (silica sand retains less heat than crumb rubber), and by the coastal breeze in beach-adjacent locations. We recommend HeatBlock infill technology for south-facing exposures.
- What warranty comes with the turf?
- The turf product itself carries a manufacturer warranty of 8–15 years depending on the product tier — covering UV color fade and blade degradation. Paragon provides a 2-year workmanship warranty covering installation quality, seam integrity, and infill distribution. We only specify turf products from manufacturers with US warranty support.
- Is it safe for dogs?
- Yes, with the right infill system. We specify zeolite infill for pet applications — it's antimicrobial, neutralizes ammonia odors, is completely non-toxic if ingested, and is safe for pets and children. Turf with zeolite infill is significantly more sanitary than natural grass, which harbors bacteria and is difficult to sanitize after pet use.
- Can artificial turf be installed over concrete?
- Yes — and it's a popular application for patios, rooftop decks, and balconies where natural grass isn't practical. No sub-base preparation is required when installing over concrete; the turf is bonded directly with landscape adhesive. Drainage is provided through perforations in the turf backing aligned with the concrete's drainage slope.
The Work
Premium artificial turf installation, heavy tree trimming, and total tree removal.
The Paragon Difference
We grade the soil properly for rapid drainage before laying turf. For tree removal, we extract the asset safely without damaging surrounding hardscapes.
Premium Artificial Turf Installation — Service Areas
- Redondo Beach, CA
- Torrance, CA
- Manhattan Beach, CA
- Hermosa Beach, CA
- El Segundo, CA
- Hawthorne, CA
- Lawndale, CA
- Gardena, CA

