Up until now, the only use for the "spikey balls" that I knew of was as a fire starter. (Or breaking your ankle.) My neighbor collects all the balls from his tree and uses them during the winter to start his fire in his fire place.
Here in California Liquid Amber trees were all the rage a few years ago as street trees. They do have beautiful fall color. Their many negatives have finally made them go out of favor. The worst fault is that they destroy sidewalks and streets after a few years.
But to use them to keep the da@#ed squirrels out of the pots is genius if it works.

Carl it has helped me and I put them under and around my hosta plants as well. I hope it will help you and hey it's worth a try right because you have to put them somewhere!!! Lol. Aggravating little suckers! Haha

@Suga

How's are things in Coastal South Carolina? Hope they're getting better with each day.

Thank you for asking!!! We are just about to be eaten alive by mosquitos now!!!! Seriously they are so bad you can't even go out and work in the yard without being literally swarmed all over!!!! I have never ever seen them this bad. I remember them them being bad after Hugo but not this bad. I'm still looking for Gumballs but I haven't had to much luck. I've also had some health issues with my back. I have had two back procedures recently and will find out 11-11 what my next step will be. So for now it's one day at a time. Thanks again for asking