SUGAR MAPLE(acer saccharum)

• Opposite branching• Round, red buds

Identification

Shape

Bark

Twigs

Tapping

General Method

• Tap when nighttime temperatures are freezing and daytime temperatures are above 0°C

• Drill a hole. 3’ up from base, 1.5” deep using 7/16” drill bit. Drill on sunny side of tree

• Insert your tap, hang bucket, collect sap• Store sap in cool place until ready to boil into

syrup• Can hot and cool sideways for better seal

Guidelines: taps per tree

Diameter in inches Circumference in inches Number of taps

10—20 31—63 1

20—25 64—79 2

>25 >79 3

Homemade Taps are an Option

(these are called “spiles”)

Professional Taps

• Still not sure where to get them• 7/16” diameter copper or other pipe might do

the trick (and faster than whittling spiles of the type shown above)