If you’re looking to spruce up your yard, what better way than by planting new trees? You’ll not only do your part to combat climate change, but you’ll add fresh greenery to your outdoor space. When you move saplings, however, there’s always a risk of damaging their growing trunks. Luckily, TikToker @jmg8tor has an ideal solution: Cover the sapling’s trunk with a pool noodle. Not only can this easy hack protect the tree during transport and even after planting if desired, but it’s affordable.
If you already have an old pool noodle lying around, then you don’t have to spend a dime. Should you need to purchase a pool noodle, you can buy one at Dollar Tree for $1.25. If you’re moving multiple trees, you might want to invest in several pool noodles. This hack is perfect for moving trees already in your yard, but take a few of these foam noodles in your vehicle, too, if you’re planning on purchasing saplings from a garden center. This prevents any damage while in transit. And seeing as $300 is the average cost to plant a tree, a minor Dollar Tree investment could save you hundreds by preventing any accidental harm while transporting or planting.
Cut your pool noodle to fit your small tree
@jmg8tor
Pool noodle #jmg8tor
♬ original sound – 🐊💙GATOR💙🦌
According to @jmg8tor, this hack is as easy as grabbing a pool noodle and cutting it to size before you plant any trees. Once your foam noodle is the desired length, you’ll need to cut it down the middle; just be sure you purchase a hollow noodle. If you’re new to cutting a pool noodle, there are several tools you can use. For cutting your noodle widthwise, a serrated knife works best. When cutting your foam noodle lengthwise, a utility knife is ideal. If the thought of cutting a pool noodle gives you pause, consider wearing cut-resistant work gloves. You can purchase them for $14.99 on Amazon, and they can also protect your hands while carrying your small tree.
Once your pool noodle is ready, open it and wrap it around your tree’s trunk. From there, you can move your sapling wherever you want to plant it. If your pool noodle slides off, some tape should do the trick. Thanks to its strong adhesive, duct tape is the best for adhering to pool noodles. Even better, duct tape has exceptional water-resistant properties, which means it will hold up even if it gets wet. With this pool noodle trick, you’ll have saplings planted without any damage to their trunks and pool noodle protectors you can possibly reuse over and over.
