Tapping Trees for Maple Syrup

February 10, 2025

Now that spring is approaching, we are getting busier by the day on the farm. Last week we tapped maple trees in our sugarbush. For those new to maple syrup terminology, such as ourselves, a sugarbush is a stand of maple trees from which sap is collected for maple syrup production. We use a system of tubing that runs between the trees and collect the sap into a food-grade storage tank. Tapping is the act of drilling a hole in the tree and inserting a tap, which is similar to a faucet that is always left on.

After spending time researching and talking with experts on when to tap, we concluded that if you ask five different sugarmakers, you will get five different answers. Most agree that tapping should occur when temperatures are above freezing during the day and freezing at night. This usually happens between January and March, depending on where you live.

Weather is critical for tapping because when temperatures rise above freezing during the day, positive pressure builds in a tree. This occurs when water is absorbed by the roots, causing sap to be pushed upwards through the tree’s interior. The sap consists of water and nutrients that are used by leaves for photosynthesis. If there are any holes in the tree, such as taps, sap will flow out of the holes. Sap is primarily collected during the day.

When temperatures drop at night, negative pressure develops in the tree when air in the tree contracts. This causes sap to flow from the branches back into the trunk.

We have three main lines. A main line carries sap to storage tanks, while lateral lines connect taps to the main line. This last week we tapped one of our main lines when daytime temperatures began creeping above freezing. Based on the absence of sap in our lines, it is safe to conclude that we tapped too early. The other two lines will be tapped later in February for comparison.

Last week: Welcome to the Opdyke Family Farm

Next week: Piglets on the farm

Fun fact: Pigs are far from “boaring,” and are smarter than dogs.