- Front and back yards OK
- Parkway not allowed
- No Lawn to Garden rebate
- Base and drainage matter most
The Parkway Rule
A May 2026 city memo says artificial turf in parkways is already prohibited under Long Beach Municipal Code 21.42.050. The only nonliving parkway materials allowed are permeable ground covers such as decomposed granite, mulch and pavers set on sand, and they must cover under half of the parkway. Plenty of people have done it anyway because enforcement is thin, but the city is now planning notices to contractors and utility bill inserts.
A Past Grassland Job
Back in 2016 Grassland put in 1,510 square feet of turf here in Long Beach. The owner said "I never thought my yard could look this great." The old job page tells the story.
License Rule
State rule says any landscaping job of $1,000 or more in labor and materials needs a contractor license. Ask for the license number on your written estimate, and you can check any license at cslb.ca.gov.
Read The Parkway Rules See The Turf Job
Questions We Hear
Is fake grass cooler or hotter than real grass?
Turf gets hot in full sun. If kids or dogs will use it, plan for shade or look at a low water garden instead.
Can I replace my old artificial turf with plants and get the rebate?
The city memo says no, because turf uses no water so replacing it saves none.
Where We Do This Work
Where These Facts Come From
- Contractors State License Board, Choosing the Right Landscaper
- Long Beach Utilities, Lawn to Garden Terms
- Long Beach Utilities, Lawn to Garden Design Requirements
- City of Long Beach memo, Green Parkways Initiative Analysis, May 4 2026
- Long Beach Utilities, Water Use Restrictions
- City of Long Beach Public Works, Public Trees