'Dwarf Carpet of Stars' (Ruschia Nana') FAQ's

Will I ever mow my StarCarpet™ yard of Dwarf Carpet of Stars?  NEVER......EVER!

WHERE do you sell and/or how do I purchase this?  We proudly serve Southern California as well as Southern Nevada.

     When you contact us on our website, simply click the tab CONTACT US and you will be asked for your zip code and some information. We ask this as a start because we service SoCal and Nevada.  At that point you will receive an auto reply with information, pricing, tips, and what you need to do to move forward for success!  

www.starcarpetlv.com  or  www.starcarpet.com  

Delivery is in person and to your residence of choice.

  WHERE CAN I PLANT THIS?  You can plant this in your FRONT YARD OR BACK YARD! 

StarCarpet™ is also approved for NEW CONSTRUCTION homes. YES! New Construction!  Additionally, in NEW CONSTRUCTION HOMES, you must supply this product with a true “drip” system per the Water Authority as well as if you’re applying for the rebate on an existing landscape remodel. However, drip systems are not mandatory for older construction homes.

More info on drip systems can be found on our *Sprinklers vs Drip Systems* link at the Header (top) of our page.

What about edging/trimming?  Dwarf Carpet of Stars will not grow where there is no soil.  That being said, there will be some growth looking for soil, but it is very minimal on a hardscape.  Literally, moments with ordinary scissors will do the trick if you find it "creeping" over.  This isn't like iceplant that would grow over a sidewalk.  Maintenance is very minimal at best.

How do I prep for planting?  You would prep similar to grass.  Top 4-6" should have good drainage, and irrigation should cover entire area.  Always check soil by wetting it down and making sure it drains.  If it doesn't drain down after giving it plenty of water, then you need to remove that soil, or figure out what's underneath keeping it from draining.        

     Note: The soil will most likely need to be replaced, unless you've already done a landscape installation, or removal of the existing soil.  Nevada soil always has to be amended as we all know.  California native soil typically is better from the start and should be inspected.  We can recommend a mix that is easily available and can be delivered to your door.  Or if you're a green thumb, have at it.  Adequate drainage is key!  Soil quality is important as this is a drought tolerant product that thrives with proper soil prep.

     A detailed explanation of soil prep and/or amendment can be found on the MENU listed as SOIL AMENDMENT INFO, or when you're done reading FAQ's, you can click here:   https://starcarpetlv.com/soil-amendment-info  

How is StarCarpet® installed?  Lay like sod for immediate results.  It's a bigger investment; however it would be immediate results like sod.  You would simply lay the flats as if you were laying sod.  A flat is equal to 1.66 sq. ft (16" x 16") , OR split the flats and plant with increments of 4" apart which would equal about  sq. ft and take about 2-3 months to connect.  The first 30 days you should plan on keeping the area damp.  This will set you up for success!

     Is there any information on how to plant this? Can I do this myself?

You can absolutely use whoever to plant this product. While laying like sod is more popular than plugging, BOTH methods aren’t necessarily labor intensive as much as it’s paying attention to detail while laying it down. It’s the little things that make the install better, and we are here to help!

If you’d like instructions for your landscaper/contractor or yourself, let us know when purchasing and we can send you links to DIY videos from the WhatsApp app on your phone. The entire video is around 5 minutes and is well worth it for the advice given and steps to pay attention to while prepping your product for removal, and then to planting. We’ve seen some of the best installs done by people who are not green thumbs and have had no prior experience in gardening! 

Additionally, we can recommend landscaping contractors who are familiar with the product, so no worries!

When can I start my project?  This product can literally be planted year round!  However, it will establish faster from March through end of September.    PLANT YEAR ROUND!  Plant when it's convenient for you!

 What about traffic?  Like anything newly planted, try to minimize foot traffic for 30 days.  That being said; if you plant as sod you can do light traffic almost immediately after the install to verify watering, and/or let your pets utilize it.  If you plant as plugs at 4" increments, you need to be careful when walking around the area  because it's newly planted and trying to thrive.  If you have pets around plugs, it's better to keep them out of the area until the plugs can start to establish.  Dogs will be dogs, and are attracted to mud.  It takes abou
 

How tall does Dwarf Carpet of Stars grow?  This depends on traffic.  Typically, it would be about 1.5" where there is traffic, and upwards of 2" if there is NO traffic.  Once it grows vertically, it will go horizontally and weave itself (hence the term "carpet").  Traffic is a good thing because it will get dense as it gets stepped on.  It will compress and become more dense; which not a problem.  It will not break or burst when stepped on.  

Is it Evergreen?  YES, ABSOLUTELY!  Blooms twice a year!  Small flowers with pink stripes on white pedals.  (Early Spring & Autumn)  No maintenance required.  No mess after the flowers bloom.  

Can I add this in addition to my landscape (around trees, bushes, etc?)  YES!  Does great around existing landscape.  This product is not invasive and will not damage your existing landscape in any way.  Would not make sense to mix in with grass or patch grassy areas since grass had to be mowed and this does not.  As you can see on the GALLERY pictures, it will grow right up to a plant or tree and does NOT smother it.  Looks fabulous in flower beds!

What about heat/cold and sun exposure?  No such thing as too much sun!  However, you would want it to get 4 hours or so of sun.  We have areas of lawns that get less than that and are fine.  Some areas receive 2-3 and even less, but receive the ambient light and reflection from the surrounding hardscape.  This is more of a guideline.  This product is rated from 20F-120F.  I've had snow and have had no problems.  We tested in colder climates as well.  We are testing up in the mountains now and are monitoring areas up in Utah.

      MYTH:  It's an ice plant OR it's a succulent and it won't grow out here in the Las Vegas climate.  We've heard this a few times.  However, this is completely incorrect!  As mentioned before, we've had it in our Vegas home prior to opening shop along with California residences in partnership.  This product is newer to Vegas; however, it's track proven!  We've spent the time and research study and have made it better which is why it has proven results and is pat. pend.

Internet research will back up the fact that this product WANTS the sun.  That being said, this product is pat. pend. because it has the best of both worlds in relation to ice plant and succulent.  It does NOT crush when walked on, but actually welcomes it.  It does not grow where there is no soil unlike ice plant and because its soft, it won't crush from being used.  Because we are newer to Vegas and not everyone is familiar; people judge too soon and with no research.  Let us prove it to you!  The same landscape architects and contractors who disregarded our product, are now finding out through research and public notice that in fact, this product works!  The Water Authority has acknowledged us, and has the rebate incentive in place; as you will see below.  THIS IS THE BEST DROUGHT-TOLERANT, EVERGREEN GRASS ALTERNATIVE AVAILABLE! 

Watering schedule?  You will water much less than typical grass.  The frequency will depend on the time of year.  What you are doing is watering and letting the water "bank" down; which will have the roots go down as well.  You will water less frequent, but the duration will depend on how much sun your yard receives and time of year.  Average in Summer is once every 5-7 days (depending on sunlight, etc).  As it cools down, you will stretch it out to once a week, to once every 2 weeks.  Sometimes only once a month is needed.  Remember, this is a drought tolerant ground cover!  No such thing as too much natural rain.  If your lawn gets a good rain, you will take that into consideration and water even less!

The first 30 days is what you will focus on as StarCarpet® roots down.  High frequency/low duration.  This changes as it roots down.  Then you'll water even less! 

Note:  If you do a drip system, you will modify that as well with the time of year.  This can be discussed later as well. 

Additional Note regarding water consumption:  If you are over watering, your lawn will let you know because it will turn a fluorescent yellow/green.  At that point, back off the watering, and monitor from there.  If you continue to overwater, it will turn a fluorescent orange.  

 I have heard of or have seen  ‘Dwarf Carpet of Stars’ (Ruschia Lineolata Nana’) before. Why buy from you? Aren’t they all the same regardless where I buy?   The answer is   NO!

     In fact our product is considered as Ruschia Nana’ (pat pend). This product drops the Lineolata which is known historically and has been around for quite some time. The difference in our product is better tolerances to temperature, traffic, and is a more dense product.  We provide Rushcia Nana'.

     The world of Ruschia is vast!  However most the time you are looking at the Ruschia Lineolata strain, which grows larger and has longer fingers than a StarCarpet® yard. 

Our Ruschia Nana’ is more dense, grows to a shorter height and length, and is not prone to being “woody” as which has been some concerns with the Lineolata strain in the past. 

This is why our product is pat pend., has the research data, customer satisfaction, and longevity proving results!  This is StarCarpet®

Is it soft to the touch?  Yes!  It is SOFT and COOL to the touch; even in Summer!  

Is it pet friendly?  Absolutely!  In fact, since it's cool to the touch (even in Summer), don't be surprised if you see them laying on it.  I personally have dogs and they enjoy it!  That being said, it's also considered non-toxic in case of an event of ingestion by a pet.

Is it pet urine resilient?  YES!  Unlike sod, this will deal with pet urine better than grass.  An additional note to keep in mind is that in our opinion, sprinkler systems are a better idea than a drip system because of washing down the urine from above.

What about raking (removal of leaves and debris from existing landscape)?  Use a leaf blower to remove leaves and debris from your lawn.  A blower works great.  Raking isn't necessarily advised.  A mild poly rake with soft combs has had success on established yards like ours.

How does it do around a pool or cool decking?  It completely excels around a pool!  Keep a beautiful lawn with NEVER having to mow it.  Typical grass will get clippings in your pool and your cool deck.  Not to mention the green tracks left by the mower wheels.  Another perk is without the maintenance, you don't have maintenance crews in your yard disturbing your privacy.

To plug or lay like sod?  What should I do?  Like most people, we want results yesterday!  That being said, laying like sod is immediate and done!  Plugging takes some time to connect depending on distance apart but saves on cost.  If you have pets we would recommend laying like sod so you don't have the soil curiosity for them to play in; or fencing it off while it connects.  Laid like sod we have never seen them dig it because the canvas is done.

Does this qualify for the Water Authority Rebate incentive to replace my grass?  YES!  However, per guidelines, you would need to switch your irrigation system from sprinkler to a "drip" system.  

Currently, the rebate is $3.00 per sq. ft. in Nevada and $2.00 per sq. ft. in California  

There are advantages & disadvantages to both systems.  It's actually a simple process that starts with your Water Authority.  They arrive prior and take a picture before removal starts and give you their square footage measurement allowance. 

California Residents:  You'll need to contact your specific water authority.  www.socalwatersmart.com

Nevada Residents:  SNWA website and look for Water Smart Landscapes Rebate Info

www.snwa.com  or directly at https://www.snwa.com/rebates/wsl/index.html

 **NOTE:  Drip System is NOT mandatory UNLESS you are applying for the Water Rebate.**

Pricing?  I don't see pricing per sq.ft?  Pricing is dynamic based on a few factors.  Amount of product, method used for sq ft coverage, (laying like sod or plugging) , previous irrigation and/or removal, and removal/amendment of soil.  We want you to succeed, so these must all be looked at and addressed with decisions made prior to install.  Note:  Depending on square footage when laid like sod, a discount may be applied.  We understand the investment and are here to help!

I’d like to try a sample in my yard. Do you offer small purchases for trials?

We get asked if we can sell small amounts of flats (like 1-5). The answer is Yes! *subject to availability*  When you receive your auto reply email after using the CONTACT US feature, mention that, in addition to any other questions you have and we will let you know the price and tentative timeline. We do not deliver small quantities of flats without a fee so be prepared to pick up the StarCarpet when it’s ready and payment needs to be received prior to be put in the que for the next batch.  Regardless of where you put the StarCarpet flat, we always recommend trying both methods of planting when figuring out your trial area (laying like sod or plugging).

How do I get started on my new drought-tolerant grass alternative?  What are the steps?

1.  Decide if you're going to lay like sod or use the "plugging" method.

2.  Decide on which irrigation method suits you best, and/if you are applying for rebate.

3.  Prep area by removing old soil, verifying proper irrigation and drainage, and refill with amended soil.

4.  Have your contractor/landscaper of your choice build the system of your choosing and decide on an estimated amount of square footage you want to have as your lawn and let us know.

** Any contractor/landscaper can do the prep work of removing the soil, refilling the soil, and building the irrigation**  There is nothing unique about this step.  

Amend the soil with a good draining soil.  Typically this has properties of a sandy solution.  Regardless where you purchase it, good drainage soil is nothing new to the landscape world. 

When it comes to the install, we can talk about that as you prepare your area.  More info is on the detailed email reply that you will receive after using the CONTACT US section of the website.

 BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THE COMPARISON OF BOTH SPRINKLERS AND "DRIP SYSTEM" LISTED ON THIS WEBSITE.  OR CLICK HERE>  https://starcarpetlv.com/sprinklers-vs-drip-system
 

At the end of the day, you still save 75% of your water bill by switching to Dwarf Carpet of Stars.  The Best Living Drought-Tolerant Grass Alternative Available.  Exclusively from StarCarpetLV.   StarCarpet® is changing the game!

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     Want to see a VIDEO of the product now?  

Click here https://starcarpetlv.com/starcarpetlv-lawn-video 

                     StarCarpet - Proudly serves Southern California & Southern Nevada!