How was the dog-traffic wear-through prevented in the new install?

Pet-active zones get extra base compaction and slightly more aggressive infill brushing to keep fibers vertical under repeated impact. SYNLawn fibers are designed for dog use and recover well; properly installed turf with monthly OxyTurf treatment handles two large dogs without visible wear for the full warranty period.

What did the MWD rebate require?

Pre-installation site verification with photos of the existing fescue, a project plan showing the new turf area, and post-install verification photos. The application was submitted by the homeowner through MWD's portal; we provided the SYNLawn product spec and the project documentation packet.

Why was the corner drainage an issue and how did you fix it?

The previous lawn had no graded slope toward an outlet; rain pooled in the lower corner against the deck. We installed a small French drain tied into the existing storm-water lateral, with the new aggregate base graded subtly toward the drain. Permeable turf base now drains rainfall through the system rather than pooling at the surface.

Santa Monica residential SYNLawn Precision install, 1,200 square feet

Case Study · Residential Turf Installation · Santa Monica

Luxury Backyard Retreat in Santa Monica

1,200 sq ft · 6 working days · SYNLawn Precision

Square footage

1,200 sq ft

Timeline

6 working days

Product

SYNLawn Precision

Rebate captured

$3,000 (MWD)

Before / After

The Transformation.

Before

After

The Challenge

The homeowners had a 1,200 square foot backyard north of Montana running fescue lawn that struggled through three successive drought summers. Irrigation costs were running over $200 per month, the lawn went brown by August every year despite supplemental watering, and the family had two large dogs that were wearing through patches in high-traffic areas. Existing drainage off the rear deck pooled in the lower-yard corner during winter rain. The homeowners wanted a year-round green appearance, drought tolerance, dog-friendly surface, and integration with their existing decomposed-granite paths.

The Approach

We specified SYNLawn Precision turf for its dense pile profile and natural-look fiber blend. Base prep removed the existing fescue and 3 inches of native soil, installed geotextile weed barrier, and built a 4-inch decomposed granite base compacted in two lifts to 95 percent density. The lower-corner drainage was solved with a French drain tied into the existing storm-water lateral. Turf was placed with hidden seams along the path edges and brushed silica infill provided ballast. We coordinated with the existing decomposed-granite paths so the turf edges sat flush with the path grade, eliminating the trip hazard the previous lawn had at path transitions.

The Outcome

The completed install delivered consistent year-round green, eliminated approximately $2,400 per year in irrigation costs, and the homeowners qualified for a $3,000 MWD turf removal rebate. The two dogs adapted to the new surface within a week; we set up a monthly OxyTurf maintenance schedule for ongoing odor management. The lower-corner pooling that plagued the previous lawn has not recurred through the first winter rain season. Total project came in at $19,200 before rebate, $16,200 net after rebate.

Service

Backyards Built to Last 20 Years.

Service Area

Santa Monica, CA

Project FAQ

Common Questions.

Precision's denser pile and natural-look fiber blend match the residential aesthetic of north-of-Montana Santa Monica. Marine layer cooling means HeatBlock isn't required at this property, so Precision gives the best look-and-feel within budget.

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