Artificial turf installation in San Diego costs between $8–$20 per square foot installed — that's $4,000–$10,000 for a typical 500 sq ft yard. When turf starts smelling or looking worn, the instinct for many homeowners is to assume replacement is needed. In most cases, it isn't.
When cleaning is the right answer: - Odor is the main issue — 95% of turf odor problems are solved by professional enzyme treatment - Fibers are matted but present — fiber restoration can refluff matted fibers back to near-original appearance - Color looks faded or dull — often a buildup issue that professional cleaning removes - Turf is under 10 years old — quality turf has a 15–20 year lifespan
When replacement is actually needed: - Fibers are physically broken, fraying, or have pulled out of the backing in large sections - Backing material has deteriorated and drainage is compromised - Turf is over 12–15 years old with multiple structural issues
The math: Professional cleaning at $399–$749. Replacement at $4,000–$10,000. If cleaning has any chance of working — and in most cases it does — it's worth trying first.