Making Maple Syrup

Spring 2009

Tapping the tree

Tapping a maple tree seemed a little daunting at first. We ended up getting some good information online. In particular we found very helpful instructions (with diagrams and pictures) at the http://www.tapmytrees.com/ site. Identifying a maple by the dead leaves on the ground is a little tricky but we think we may have red maples (they like wet areas, and we definitely have a lot of wet soil being right next to the marsh). The site also explained how big a tree should be to sustain a tap without damaging the tree, and also where to optimally place the tap (over a root or under a big branch on the south side). Sammy was excited that she got the job of using a stick to clean the drill hole.

Armed with supplies, we head down the trail to our chosen maple tree.