Remove Adhesive, Fast Trees & Squirrels
Joan Clark
October 12, 2026
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Hi there,
It seems like some projects never take a break. Whether you're tackling stubborn stains, planning for shade, or dealing with uninvited guests, we've gathered solutions that work.
In today's issue:
Getting Sticky Residue Out of Your Favorite Clothes
Trees That Fill Your Yard Fast
Keeping Squirrels Away for Good
And more…
CLEANING
We've all peeled off a price tag only to find a sticky ghost haunting our favorite shirt—that stubborn residue seems determined to stay forever. We have five surprisingly gentle methods that can lift adhesive from fabric without damaging the weave, and most of them use supplies already in the pantry.
Thank You to our Partners
PLANTS & GARDEN
A single fast-growing tree can shoot up 3 to 5 feet in a single season, transforming a bare yard into a shaded retreat in just a few years. We rounded up 15 tree varieties that deliver quick coverage, whether the goal is cooling shade on a patio or a natural screen from the neighbors.
TIP OF THE DAY
Why does your solar spotlight suddenly hate the sun?
Clean the solar panel every two weeks with a damp microfiber cloth and a drop of dish soap. Dust, pollen, and bird droppings block up to 40% of the sunlight the panel needs to charge.
Wipe in small circles, rinse with plain water, and dry completely. If the light still dims after cleaning, check that shrubs or new tree growth aren't casting shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.). A clean panel charges faster and keeps your path lit all night.
WILDLIFE CONTROL
When squirrels chewed through the wiring in our attic last spring, the repair bill topped $800—and that's when the mission to reclaim the house began . These 7+ tricks range from natural deterrents to humane traps, each designed to protect your home without harming the wildlife.
FUN FACT
Exercise for the Wealthy
When Edwin Budding introduced his mower in 1830, he marketed it as a healthy form of outdoor exercise. The machine weighed about 50 pounds and required steady effort to push, so using it provided a respectable workout while also keeping the grass neat. Country estates and sports clubs bought the first models, paying roughly six months of a gardener's wages for a single mower. |  |
A NEWSLETTER WE LOVE
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THANK YOU!
Sticky messes, shady solutions, and uninvited guests, —you now have the tools to address them all. Whether you're peeling gum off your favorite jeans or planting a privacy screen that grows faster than your to-do list, you're ready. And if the squirrels didn't get the memo, they will soon.
May your trees grow tall,
Tipsbulletin Newsletter Team
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