< Select A Different Album Making Aluminum Cylinders for Plantings April 15, 2005 A 10" by 50' roll of aluminum flashing material is divided into 9" by 10" sheets using a utility knife to score the metal, folding the metal opposite the score to separate the individual sheets, rolling the aluminum around a 2.375" outside diameter pipe, and fastening it with clear packaging tape. The finished cylinder is inserted 5" into the planting hole that contains the chestnut to protect it from attack by voles, mice and other critters. The cylinder is removed after a couple of seasons by cutting the tape holding the cylinder together and removing the aluminum. A 10" wide by 50' long roll of aluminum flashing material is laid flat on a table. The aluminum is scored using a straight edge and the sharp blade of a utility knife every 9 inches along its 50-foot length. Individual 9" by 10" sheets of aluminum are created by folding the metal in the opposite direction. The metal easily separates into individual sheets. Andrew Slack rolls out a section of scored aluminum and separates it into individual sheets. Andrew rolls a sheet of aluminum around a piece of 2.375 inch PVC pipe to shape the metal into a cylinder and then fastens it with clear packaging tape. Andrew slides the finished cylinder off the pipe. It is now ready for use. < Select A Different Album < Home