The Real Downsides of Artificial Grass in Inland Empire Heat

Last updated: October 2026

What is the downside of artificial grass?

The main downsides of artificial grass are surface heat, higher upfront cost than sod, and odor in poorly drained pet yards. In Inland Empire summers, a west-facing lawn can pass 130 degrees on an afternoon. Good base prep and the right turf reduce every one of these problems.

We install turf for a living, and we still tell customers about these. It saves us the angry call later.

How hot does artificial turf get?

Hot. A west-facing yard in Hemet or San Jacinto can push surface temperature well past 130 degrees on a July afternoon. Bare feet and dog paws feel it first.

Shade from a pergola helps, and so does a rinse before kids go out. We cover that in our post on pet turf and pavement temperature in Hemet.

Is artificial grass more expensive than sod?

Up front, yes. Installed turf runs about $9 to $12 per square foot on larger yards, and small front yards can price near $15 because mobilization and dump runs cost the same on any size job. Sod is cheaper on day one. But sod needs water, mowing, and replacement.

Artificial turf vs sod: how do the trade-offs compare?

Does artificial turf smell with dogs?

It can. We were called to a Hemet yard off Sanderson in July where the turf smelled every afternoon. The dog run along the fence line was the cause, and the fix was a deep clean and fresh infill.

Drainage matters here. A compacted, well-draining base keeps urine from sitting under the turf.

Is artificial turf right for your yard?

For most Inland Empire yards, yes. Not for every one. A yard with full afternoon sun and small kids may want shade structures first.

See our artificial turf installation and pet-friendly turf pages, or call us for a walk-through estimate. If we installed your turf, tell Google what service we did and which neighborhood you live in.