How can you deny that rich, luscious, deep flavor of fresh maple syrup? You can cook with it, bake with it, make candies with it, and even top your pancakes off with it! Maple syrup has been around for thousands of years, and continues to be a highly sought-after treat.
This is perhaps why so many people are interesting in learning how to extract their own sap from Maples trees to make their own delicious maple syrup. If you are one these people, continue reading to learn what you will need, what to expect, and a few tips for getting the best results when it comes to extracting sap from Maple trees.
What Will I Need?
To start, you will need a clean 5-gallon bucket with a lid, a tree tap or “spile”, a power drill, a 7/16 drill bit, a hammer or mallet, some rope or string, and some masking tape. If you do not have a power drill, you may be able to use an auger instead. You can purchase all of these materials and many more sap extraction related materials at any local home improvement or gardening store.
Here are some important tips:
Most trees produce sap, but only certain species produce sap that tastes really good. If you are after Maple syrup, stick with a Sugar Maple or Red Maple tree.
Do not use a copper tree spile. Copper can be toxic to trees and plants.
Trees produce sap all year long, but the best times for extraction are between February and March, and between September and November.
Tap trees when outdoor temperatures are averaging around 40 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and no less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit during the night.
Wait until Maple Trees are at least a foot in diameter before you tap them. A tree this size is around 40 years old.
If sap is running well, you will have to check your container multiple times a day to ensure it does not overflow unless you use a larger bucket. A 5-gallon bucket will likely require a single checkup per day.
How to Tap a Tree:
1. Mark your drill bit at 2 ½ inches with your tape. You only want to drill this far into the tree.
2. Find the side of the tree that faces southeast.
3. Drill a hole at a marginally upward angle, 2 ½ inches into the tree.
4. Use your string or rope to tie your bucket to the tree beneath your tap.
5. Clear out the bark debris in the hole and insert your spile or tap.
6. Tap the spile the rest of the way into the hole using your rubber mallet or hammer.
7. Collect your sap on a daily basis.
8. Store in an air-tight container in a cool, dry place.