If you own a home in Pasadena, you’re caught between two things: loving your green backyard and constantly fighting the drought. With mandatory Level 2 water restrictions limiting watering to just two days a week, keeping natural grass alive is a losing battle—especially if you have dogs. The result? Yellow spots, muddy trails into the house, and sky-high water bills.
You’re looking for a simple, permanent solution. Artificial turf installation is that solution, but you must know the local rules.
At , we are the local artificial turf contractor specializing in pet-safe, high-drainage systems designed for Pasadena. We cut through the jargon to give you the facts, including the critical information contractors often hide: the local rebate rules.
This is the most crucial local detail. Hiring a contractor who misunderstands this rule can cost you thousands in expected savings.
The Metropolitan Water District (MWD) and Pasadena Water and Power (PWP) offer a generous Turf Replacement Rebate—up to $3.00 per square foot—to encourage water conservation.
The Sticking Point: The PWP/MWD program explicitly excludes synthetic turf and artificial grass from qualifying for the rebate. The money is reserved only for landscaping that uses living, California Friendly® or native plants.
What This Means for You: Do not let a contractor tell you the turf cost will be offset by the rebate. If you install synthetic turf, you are ineligible for that funding. Your financial benefit comes entirely from long-term water savings and zero maintenance costs, not the upfront rebate. We promise this transparency from day one.
For Pasadena dog owners, artificial turf is less about aesthetics and more about hygiene and functionality. Our systems are engineered to solve the most common pet-related problems.
The biggest mistake cheap installers make is using turf with simple hole-punched backing. In heavy Southern California rain, this leads to pooling and mud.
Our Solution: We only install pet turf with a fully permeable backing. This advanced layer allows liquids to drain straight through the entire surface, boasting drainage rates of over 150 inches of water per hour. This rapid drainage eliminates standing puddles, instantly cuts out muddy paws, and keeps the whole area cleaner.
Pet urine is corrosive and causes odor, but modern turf materials handle it effectively:
Antimicrobial Infill: Instead of standard silica sand, we use antimicrobial infill—often a naturally occurring mineral called zeolite—that absorbs and neutralizes the ammonia found in pet waste. This prevents the odor from escaping, unlike natural grass where it just sits in the soil.
Easy Cleaning: Maintaining freshness requires nothing more than hosing the area down once a week. The odor is trapped by the infill and washed away by water, or naturally flushed by rain.
The initial artificial grass installation cost per square foot is a combination of premium material and expert base preparation. Cutting corners on installation is the number one reason artificial lawns fail.
In the Pasadena area, the total artificial grass installation price (materials, base, infill, and labor) typically ranges from $8.90 to $15.60 per square foot.
Material Quality: The cost is determined by turf density, blade resilience, and, most importantly, the drainage backing (which is essential for pets).
The Sub-Base Rule: The true value lies in the compaction and grading. We excavate the area completely, lay down and compact a quality, permeable base material (like decomposed granite), and ensure the entire area slopes correctly for efficient water runoff. (The smooth, permeable base used for turf is similar to the compaction needed for paver installation. )
Your turf area must look seamless, not like a rug dumped in the yard. This requires structural planning for the perimeter:
Clean Edging: We use materials like flexible bender board or concrete curbing to create a permanent, clean edge that prevents the turf from lifting and keeps debris out.
Integrated Hardscapes: If your project includes integrating your turf with a patio or walkway, the permeable base used for turf is similar to the compaction needed for . We ensure perfect transitions between the softscape and hardscape.
A new turf lawn often acts as the anchor for an entire outdoor renovation project. When planning your perfect yard, it’s important to coordinate the turf with any boundaries or structural additions.
A critical part of pet ownership and property management is security. The turf area needs to be contained, and we often find that a durable, code-compliant of maximizing your outdoor space. This ensures pets stay safe and gives your turf area a polished look.
Ultimately, installing artificial turf is about maximizing your home’s functionality. This investment in a pristine, low-maintenance outdoor space directly complements any major structural additions, such as a backyard unit. This investment, often built alongside a new backyard home, such as an ADU significantly increases your property’s functionality.
Choosing artificial turf is a smart, water-wise investment in your Pasadena property. Secure a reliable, pet-safe installation with the local experts at Gaga US Construction.
Contact Gaga US Construction today for a free, no-obligation estimate.
Call (747) 609-6912 and start enjoying your permanently green lawn!
No. State law prohibits owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs permitted between 2020 and 2025. This means you have the flexibility to rent out both the main house and your new ADU in Pasadena if desired, maximizing your investment potential.
Costs vary widely based on size, finishes, and complexity (new detached vs. conversion). However, the number one factor affecting cost is avoiding delays. By working with experienced ADU contractors Pasadena who know the local codes, you prevent costly redesigns and months of carrying construction loan interest. We provide clear, competitive, and detailed estimates upfront based on local material and labor rates.
Second-story ADUs are subject to strict review and are generally limited by the maximum ADU height of 16 to 18 feet. While they are possible, a single-story ADU often provides the most straightforward path to approval. An expert builder can advise you on the feasibility of two-story construction given your specific zoning and neighborhood aesthetic.
This is a crucial local detail. While a 4-foot setback is generally allowed, if the wall facing the property line has windows, doors, or any other openings, the setback must be 5 feet. Missing this one-foot difference is a common mistake by non-local ADU builders and results in immediate permitting rejection, significantly delaying your project.
If you own a home in Pasadena, you’re caught between two things: loving your green backyard and constantly fighting the drought. With mandatory Level 2 water restrictions limiting watering to just two days a week, keeping natural grass alive is a losing battle—especially if you have dogs. The result? Yellow spots, muddy trails into the house, and sky-high water bills.
If you own a home in Pasadena, you’re caught between two things: loving your green backyard and constantly fighting the drought. With mandatory Level 2 water restrictions limiting watering to just two days a week, keeping natural grass alive is a losing battle—especially if you have dogs. The result? Yellow spots, muddy trails into the house, and sky-high water bills.
If you own a home in Pasadena, you’re caught between two things: loving your green backyard and constantly fighting the drought. With mandatory Level 2 water restrictions limiting watering to just two days a week, keeping natural grass alive is a losing battle—especially if you have dogs. The result? Yellow spots, muddy trails into the house, and sky-high water bills.
GAGA US INC is a licensed (#1074874 – B, C13) General Building Contractor based in Los Angeles. GAGA US works with professional contractors to ensure your construction needs are fully met and executed promptly.
