FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Orders and Purchases
Services & General
Outdoor Furniture

Orders & Purchases

What is your return policy?

At Hicks Nurseries, we are confident that the quality of our merchandise will meet, if not exceed, your expectations. If you are not satisfied simply bring the item(s) to the store within 30 days of purchase. All returns must be accompanied by a receipt unless you are an Advantage Rewards Member.

How long will it take to see my credit card refund after a return?

Once we have processed your return it typically takes 1-4 days for you to see the refund on your credit card.

 

What kind of guarantee do you offer on plants?

All houseplants and annuals are guaranteed for 30-days from the date of purchase.  Simply bring the plant in-store to Customer Service along with your receipt. Advantage members enjoy receipt-free returns.

We guarantee all woody plants (trees & shrubs) planted in the ground for one year from the date of purchase. We will guarantee those same plants for two full years if the purchased material is planted by Hicks.

Roses are guaranteed to November 1st of the same year purchased.

A store credit in the amount of the original purchase price will be issued towards a replacement tree or shrub with the return of the dead plant and receipt to the store.

Do you offer a senior citizen discount?

Yes, we offer a 10% discount to all qualifying Hicks Advantage Members who are 65 years of age and up every Wednesday. The discount is honored in-store only and on non-sale items.

Do you give discounts to veterans or the military?

Yes, we proudly offer a 10% discount to veterans, all active duty and retired military (with valid military identification) every Wednesday. The discount is honored in-store only and on the entire purchase.

Can I have something shipped?

We currently do not provide shipping outside the local area. We offer local delivery services across Long Island, Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan. 

How much does delivery cost?

Delivery charges are determined by your zip code and vary between online and in-store purchases.  

How does curbside pick up work?

You can order online, anytime at https://shop.hicksnurseries.com/ and choose curbside pick up, available during normal business hours at our Westbury NY store.

We will email you when your order is ready to be picked up. On the day of the scheduled pick up, follow the signs to the curbside pick up parking area and follow the instructions on the sign.  We will bring your order to your car and load it for you.

Services & General Questions

Do you sell gift cards?

Yes, gift cards can be purchased in-store at any cashier.  You can also call us to purchase by phone at 516-334-0066. We will mail your gift card to your address or directly to your friend or family member.

Choose from either a flower design or a Holiday poinsettia design. Hicks Nurseries’ gift cards are available in any amount and are not subject to any fees. 

Do you offer a rewards program?

Yes! Our Hicks Advantage Rewards Program is free to join and offers many benefits to our customers. Learn more here: https://hicksnurseries.com/hicks-advantage/

Can I have a few trees & shrubs planted without a full redesigned landscape?

Absolutely! We offer delivery and planting services and will ensure your selections are planted to last a lifetime. In fact, we will double our guarantee when we do the planting – to two years from the date of purchase.

If you are interested in planting services, please visit the Landscape Inspiration Help Center Building in our nursery yard and speak to a member of our staff.

Do you offer landscape design services?

Yes, our Hicks Landscapes Design Build team handles your project from concept to installation and beyond.  Learn more about our award-winning services here: https://hickslandscapedesign.com/  and simply fill out the form to start an inquiry.

Do you provide free soil testing?

Yes. Hicks Nurseries will test your soil pH level for free. Bring a ½ cup of completely dry soil to our Garden Care Solutions desk any time for a pH soil test while you wait. pH meters and kits are also available for sale for at-home, on-the-spot soil testing.

Once we know your pH level, our sales associates can help you identify if any further action is required.

I want to buy plants online, but I don’t see what I’m looking for.

Our online store only features a curated  collection of plants. For a full selection, please visit our store in Westbury. For directions, click here.

How can I reach your customer service team?

Please call 516-334-0066 and ask for Customer Service.

Plant FAQs

Why does the plant I ordered online look different than what’s shown on the web site?

The plant you receive will vary from the photo. Plants are unique, constantly growing and ever-changing. Rest assured, your plant was carefully selected and we guarantee the quality for 30 days from date of purchase.

How often should I water my houseplants?

As a general rule, plants should only be watered when the soil is dry to the touch about an inch down into the soil. However, every plants is different. Cacti and succulents should be watered every 2-4 weeks depending on the season. 

Why are the leaves on my plant turning yellow?

Yellow leaves often indicate that you are overwatering your plant. For diagnosis, you can bring some of the leaves in a sealed plastic bag to our Greenhouse, if it’s an indoor plant or to the Garden Care Solutions desk for outdoor plants.

I think my tree has a pest or fungus. What do I do?

Bring a sample of the plant in a sealed plastic bag to our Garden Care Solutions desk for diagnosis.

When do I prune my tree/shrub?

Pruning your plant depends entirely on what type of plant you have. Click here for detailed pruning instructions.

Outdoor Furniture FAQS

 

Purchasing/Products

Can I purchase patio furniture from Hicks Nurseries online?

Yes! We offer a curated selection of patio furniture sets online.

Can I choose or special order different frame and fabric colors?

In some cases, yes. It depends on the set and only for in-store purchases. Please see a sales associate for additional information.  

What brands of patio furniture do you carry?

We carry the very best brands of outdoor furniture and accessories from Agio®, C.R. Plastics,  Alfresco Home, Treasure Garden®, and more.

Is your outdoor patio furniture only sold as sets?

Only if you shop online. You have more options when you shop in-store. Most pieces are available for purchase a la carte. 

How big of a table do I need?

A good rule of thumb when choosing the size of an outdoor table is to provide each person with 28 inches of space. We have tables that will fit up to 10 people.

Do you sell replacement patio furniture cushions?

Yes. At Hicks Nurseries we have an extensive selection of UV-protected and water-resistant cushions in various print, pattern and solid fabric options – all in-stock and ready to take home. We can also custom order for you from Sunbrella®, Outdura® and O’Bravia®.

What is the advantage of Sunbrella fabrics?

Sunbrella® fabrics are highly durable, water resistant and fade resistant. They are easy to wash, extremely low maintenance and mold/mildew resistant.

What style of patio umbrellas do you have?

We have 9 ft. and 11 ft. market and cantilever umbrellas in-stock from Treasure Garden.  

Can I custom order a patio umbrella??

Yes, we can custom order an umbrella in the outdoor fabric that best complements your home.

Is payment required at the time of order placement?

Yes. All orders must be paid in full at the time of purchase.

Can I choose different chairs for my set?

Yes. At Hicks Nurseries we give you the option to mix and match table and chairs on dining sets. We have several chair styles for you to choose from to create a truly customized look.

Orders/Delivery

What if I have a question about my order?

We are happy to help. Please give us a call at 516-334-0066.

What if I want to change or cancel my order once it is placed?

We always want to make sure our customers are happy and confident with their purchase. If you change your mind about any aspect of your order, please call us at 516-334-0066 prior to delivery.

Can I have my patio furniture delivered and set up?

All furniture pieces purchased from Hicks Nurseries are delivered fully assembled.

How long will it take to deliver my order?

If the pieces are in-stock, it typically takes about 1-2 weeks for delivery.

What should I do if there is a problem with my order/delivery?

If there are any issues with your order, please call us at 516-334-0066.

Can I pick my furniture up at the store?

Yes, we can arrange for in-store pick-up of outdoor furniture.

Outdoor Furniture Care

Do I have to worry about my outdoor furniture rusting?

You can be rest assured that outdoor furniture pieces purchased at Hicks Nurseries will not rust. Our sets are made of either cast aluminum or 100% recycled HDPE plastic.

What kind of maintenance and care is required for patio furniture?

Outdoor furniture may be cleaned with mild soapy water as needed. We suggest you store your cushions when they are not in use. Cover your furniture in the winter with patio furniture covers.

How do I clean my cushions?

To clean your cushions:

 

  1. Brush off loose dirt.
  2. Spray on a cleaning solution of water and mild soap.
  3. Use a soft bristle brush to clean.
  4. Allow cleaning solution to soak into the fabric.
  5. Rinse thoroughly until all soap residue is removed.
  6. Air dry.

Returns & Warranty

What is the warranty on patio furniture?

All outdoor furniture purchased at Hicks Nurseries is covered by industry leading manufacturer warranties. Please see a sales associate for additional information as warranties vary by manufacturer and by material type i.e. fabric, metal, etc.

What is your return and exchange policy?

Please refer to the footer of our website for details. If you have any questions about returns or exchanges, please call 516-334-0066.

Lifelike Christmas Tree FAQS

What is included in the box with each lifelike Christmas tree?

Each artificial Christmas tree purchase from Hicks Nurseries comes in a sturdy reusable box with a tree stand, replacement bulbs, fuses, directions and warranty information.

What is your Christmas tree return policy and how do I return my tree?

All newly purchased trees must be returned within two weeks of the purchase date in order to receive a full refund. Trees returned outside of that two-week window will not be accepted. Lifelike Christmas trees cannot be returned after December 24th of the year purchased. Lifelike trees sold after 12/25 cannot be returned. All clearance trees are final sale. They are still subject to repairs as stated in section 4. Floor model lifelike Christmas trees that are returned within two weeks must be in full working order and are subject to a $100 restocking fee.  

What is your warranty policy?

Hicks Nurseries is the leader in lifelike Christmas trees and we pride ourselves on selling the highest quality trees available. All trees have industry leading manufacturer warrantees that should be handled directly with them. Warranty information is included in your artificial Christmas tree box or you can visit the manufacturer sites here:

 

The lights on my Christmas tree are not working. What should I do?

As a courtesy to our customers, if a light set fails on your tree during the first or second season*, we will make a reasonable effort to get the light set working. This includes inspecting the set, making sure all connections are secure and if required, shocking the set with a low jolt of electricity. If we are unable to repair or replace your light set, we will take your tree back and offer you a store credit for the price you paid for the tree.

 If the lights on your tree fail after the first two seasons, we will replace the defective light sets at a cost of $24.99** per set. If you do not want your tree repaired, we will take back your tree and will offer you the following discounts for up to five (5) seasons from your original purchase date:

3rd  season – 30% off current lowest price***
4th season – 20% off current lowest price
5th season – 10% off current lowest price

*The first season includes the year in which the tree is purchased.

** Prices and availability are subject to change.

***Excludes clearance trees.

Who do I contact if I have concerns about my tree?

Please call 516-334-0066 or email us directly at hicksinfo@hicksnurseries.com and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

How are lights attached to a pre-lit tree? Are they removable?

All lights are professionally hand-strung to minimize the appearance of wires and should not be removed in order to maintain the desired look.

What happens when a bulb burns out?

If one bulb blows out the others will stay lit. All dim or burned-out bulbs should be replaced immediately to preserve the integrity of the strand.

An entire strand of lights on my tree is out. What should I do?

If a bulb is removed, loose or broken in its socket the entire string will not work. Simply find the faulty bulb in the strand, replace it and the full strand should light again.

Where can I get replacement bulbs and fuses?

Our pre-lit trees come with a package of replacement bulbs and fuses for your convenience. We sell additional packages in the Christmas Lighting department.

How big of a tree should I get?

Hicks Nurseries has trees to fit every room, from 4½ft. – 14ft. tall. Measure your ceiling and the approximate width of the area you have in mind before you come into shop. All of our artificial tree tags contain the height and width of each tree and our sales staff is here to answer all of your questions.

Tree tip: Generally, you should leave 12 inches between the top of the tree and the ceiling for your tree topper.

Are artificial trees difficult to assemble?

Not at all. Our trees come in 2 to 6 sections depending on the height. Set up the tree stand first and then attach each section one at a time, from the bottom up to build your tree.

How do I make my tree look full and realistic like the trees at Hicks Nurseries?

All Christmas trees come in boxes where the branches are tightly compacted. After assembling your tree, it’s time to fluff it!

Tips for fluffing your tree

  1. The needles can sometimes irritate sensitive skin so consider wearing garden gloves while shaping your tree.
  2. Start at the bottom of the tree and work your way upward.
  3. Focus on one branch at a time. Fan out the branches from the inside out.
  4. Step back from time to time to check your work and adjust as needed.
How do I store my tree?

All trees purchased at Hicks Nurseries come with a sturdy tree box that can be used to safely store your tree for many years to come. If you prefer, tree storage bags are available for purchase.

What is a pre-lit tree?

A pre-lit tree has all its lights professionally attached to the branches to create a uniform appearance so you don’t have to worry about stringing lights on and then taking them off every year.

Can I use my pre-lit tree outside?

No. All our artificial trees are meant to be used indoors. Using one of our trees outdoors will void your warranty.

What type of lights do you use on the trees?

All of our Christmas trees come pre-lit with super bright LED or incandescent light sets. Choose clear or multi-colored lights. Trees may also include:

  • EZ Plug Technology: Lights connect through the trunk with a single plug.
  • Sure-Lit Feature: If one bulb goes out the rest stay lit.
  • Multi-Function LED Trees – Amazing light options by remote control.

All light sets meet nationally recognized Standards for Safety. UL-Approved.

Live Christmas Tree FAQS

What is the difference between the types of fresh cut Christmas trees?
  • Fraser Fir Christmas Trees are often the most popular choice. Frasers are known for their excellent needle retention, strong branches and fragrance.
  • Balsam Fir Christmas Trees have deep green soft needles. Known for their strong fragrance and shape, balsam fir trees are considered the classic Christmas tree.
  • Blue Fir Christmas Trees have a double needle look and a bluish-green color. They have good needle retention and strong fragrance.
Is a fresh cut really necessary before putting a tree in a water stand?

Yes. A fresh cut to the bottom of the tree opens up the pores which have been clogged by sap. Cut off at least one-half inch and then put the tree in water as soon as possible. The longer the time between when the tree is given a fresh cut and when it is put into water, the less ability the tree has to absorb water. Keep the tree in the shade in a bucket of water until you are ready to bring it in the house.

If you do not make a fresh cut, the tree will not be able to drink water and it will die off. 

Hicks Nurseries offers a free cut, net and loading for every Christmas tree. 

How much should be cut off the bottom of the tree?

In order for the tree to drink water, about one-half inch is necessary to cut off the bottom. This will open up the pores which have been clogged by sap. Hicks Nurseries offers a free cut, net and loading for every Christmas tree. 

What kind of tree stand should I use?

Choosing a large capacity stand is one of the most important steps to maintaining your tree’s freshness. Check the water level frequently as trees can drink up to a gallon of water each day.

If the water level drops below the cut end of the trunk, a seal will form and no more water will be absorbed by the tree unless another fresh cut is made. So, don’t forget to add water every day.

You should also make sure the stand “fits” the tree. Hicks Nurseries has tree stands to fit trees of every size. Our sales associates are here to help you find exactly what you need

What type of lights should I use on my tree?

We recommend LED energy saving light sets. They produce little to no heat and reduce the drying effect upon a tree. 

Always check light sets for frayed or cracked wire insulation and broken sockets before placing them on a tree. Do not attempt to repair a worn light set. Throw it away and buy a new set. Always turn off the lights on your tree when leaving the house or retiring for the night. Use UL approved lights. Never use lighted candles.

How many lights should I put on my tree?

It really depends on the light set you choose, the fullness of the tree and your personal preference. A good rule of thumb is 200 lights per foot of tree.

Where is the best place to display my live Christmas tree?

Usually the tree is the focal point of a room but where you place it will depend on your space. Rule of thumb is to place the tree away from heat sources such as heating vents, fireplaces, wood stoves and fireplace inserts, radiators, television sets or sunny windows.

Holiday Lights FAQS

What are LED lights?

LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. LED lights are a newer technology in Christmas lights that have several benefits over standard incandescent bulbs. 

What are the benefits of LEDs?

LED lights:

  • last longer than traditional incandescent lights
  • save electricity/energy
  • are cool to the touch
  • produce more vivid color
  • are extremely durable

You can also connect approximately 8 to 10 times more LED light strings together end to end while only using one plug outlet making decorating large Christmas displays easier.

What are incandescent lights?

Incandescent lights are the traditional Christmas lights we all grew up with and have a warm glow.

Why would I choose incandescent vs LED Christmas lights?

Incandescent lights often cost less than LED lights.

What’s the difference between "cool white" and "warm white"?

Cool white LED lights resemble ice. Warm white LEDs have a warmer glow, more similar to clear incandescent bulbs. 

How long do LED lights last?

Depending on the LED, the bulb may last from 50,000 hours to 200,000 hours as compared to the 3,000 hours of an incandescent light.

How much energy do LEDs use?

Very low in wattage, LEDs require as little as 10% of the energy used by their incandescent counterparts, saving 90% more energy in your home or business.

Do you sell battery-operated LED lights?

Yes, we do and most come with timers. They also often last throughout the holidays without needing to replace the batteries. 

Are LED lights safe around children and pets?

Because LED Christmas lights are cool to the touch, they are the safest option around children and pets.

Do your holiday lights have a guarantee?

Yes. We stand behind our Christmas lights with a 2-year warranty.

Do you sell replacement bulbs and fuses?

Yes, we do. All our sets also come with extra replacement bulbs.

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