FAQ

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Want to learn how to take better care of your plants or have a specific question?

We have listed out some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers, and have provided tips and easy-to-remember rules-of-thumb from our decades of experience. Find the answers to your questions, or contact us today and we’ll be happy to help!

Don’t see an answer to your question? Ask us now.


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YES, we do. 

We have both Licensed Landscape Architects & experienced Landscape Designers available to work with you on your outdoor project, large or small.

For more info, check out our Landscape Design info and browse our Portfolio.

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Please click here for a copy of our shared responsibility guarantee & exchange/return policy on living plants. Click to Download

Start the process by filling out our Diagnostic Form and submitting photos to sales@pialasnursery.com  Click to Download

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Deer pressure in Waukesha County has increased considerably in the last 10-15 years. Some areas, including parts of Pewaukee and Elm Grove, have severe deer pressure. If deer are hungry enough, they’ll try almost anything. There are many articles & reference books on this topic, but opinions and results vary drastically based on region.

Read More, from our Blog.

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Dry laid modular pavers purchased and installed by Piala’s Nursery & Garden Shop, Inc. at the signed contract price are under warranty against differential settling and heaving for a period of five years from date of substantial completion, unless otherwise noted. If alleged settling/heaving should occur the signed and dated contract must be presented, and paving must be evaluated by an authorized representative of Piala’s Nursery & Garden Shop, Inc. within five years of substantial completion. Piala’s will furnish the labor and base materials to repair or replace any settling/heaving that is outside of industry standard tolerances. This warranty does not cover erosion of polymeric sand, surface chips resulting from final compaction during installation or wear and tear, moss or plant growth on surfaces or within joints, natural flaws or inconsistencies, or paving discoloration caused by organic material build­up, surface hazing or efflorescence. Due to the absorptive nature and chemical composition of paving, base materials, and polymeric sand the following may occur: natural weathering, exfoliation, cracking or scaling of calcium from limestone, and/or temporary surface discoloration. This warranty shall be void if the paving is damaged by man or force majore.

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Colorado Blue Spruce have been declining in Wisconsin for the last several years.  Fungal problems are widespread, and we do not recommend planting this species any longer.  Treatment options exist, but can be costly and time consuming.

Read More, Courtesy of UW-Extension.

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Black Walnut trees (Juglans nigra) are common in Waukesha.  They produce a toxic chemical called juglone that has negative effects on many popular garden plants.  Plants that are sensitive to juglone will wilt, have stunted growth, or die if they are planted too close to these trees.  If you have Black Walnuts in your yard, we can help!  It’s important to select tolerant species.

Read More, Courtesy of UW-Extension.

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Water is the key to success with newly seeded lawns!  New grass seed is very needy and requires careful monitoring for proper establishment.

Click For Our New Lawn Cheat Sheet.

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Few things add more pop and excitement to an outdoor space than a wild & colorful hanging basket! Ever since ancient times, we’ve been inexplicably drawn to the drama and intrigue of gardens that vine, trail, and swoop.

 

When a hanging basket started in a greenhouse and nurtured through the early months by the pros, it’s easy enough to start with a PERFECT hanging basket in May. Here in Waukesha, we see more hanging baskets fly out the door over Mother’s Day weekend than any other date on the calendar.

 

Now, to KEEP them looking perfect: you’ll need to give them a bit more support as summer wears on.

 

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Over the last few years, we’ve seen a tremendous increase in Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (Halyomorpha halys) in our homes and our gardens.

 

Most homeowners are troubled when these pests fall out of their ceiling tiles, emerge from the vacuum cleaner, or crawl out from trim and cupboards at all times of the year. At least 28 counties in Wisconsin have confirmed reports, and the spread is continuing.

 

The best way to keep stink bugs out of your home is to prevent them from establishing a colony in the first place. Once established, they are very difficult to thoroughly remove. Snug fitting door sills and window trim are important. Correct use of weather stripping and caulk is important, as well as checking vents and screens for tears.

 

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Growing your own plants from seeds is fun, cost-effective, and as an extra bonus, adds some green to your home. Here are some suggestions to help you succeed at starting your own seeds in your home.

 

What You Will Need:

  • Peat pots or plastic flat trays with drainage
  • Seed starting soil (dry)
  • Your choice of seeds
  • Spray bottle
  • Window with lots of natural light, or an artificial light source

 

The Basics:

  • Fill your peat pots or plastic flat trays with dry seed starting soil to the top of the container. Reserve a small handful of dry soil for top-dressing.
  • Carefully soak the soil in the pots or trays, and let it settle in place.
  • Plant your seeds! The depth of the seed will vary by variety. Check your instructions for planting depth. In most cases, seeds are placed at the soil surface and then covered with a thin layer of potting mix.
  • Use a spray bottle to help moisten the mix once it is top-dressed.
  • Time to grow!

 

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Living memorials are a way of honoring the life of a departed loved one, and help shift the focus away from death and more towards a celebration of life. When choosing a tree as a living memorial, it’s important to think far down the road in terms of longevitymaintenance, and site selection. Trees are beautiful and meaningful, and we want to help you choose one that will thrive for many years. Some things to consider:

Longevity

All trees should be an investment in long term enjoyment, but with a memorial tree this is especially important.

We suggest: choose from long-lived tree families and avoid ornamental trees that are likely to have a shorter lifespan or be threatened by extremes in weather.

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Some veggies & herbs either grow so rapidly that plastic is a waste of packaging material, or are very touchy about their root systems. We grow these varieties in peat cells! Peat pots are easy to handle and cut down on single-use plastics. They simply require a little bit of thoughtful handling.

Read More, from our Blog.