11/8/2023 0 Comments Sugar maple leaf cross section![]() But as much as five gallons of sap from one tap can be collected in one day from some boxelder trees, so a smaller container might need to be emptied more than once per day to gather all the sap. We now prefer using the larger 5-gallon buckets because we do not have to worry about emptying them as frequently – a good producing tree can yield one to three gallons of sap in a good day. You may want to also support the jug with some twine or wire so that it does not fall off the spile when it is full of sap. Just cut a hole in the jug near the top large enough to allow it to fit over the spile. You can even use a clean milk jug to collect the sap. There are also other systems that use heavy-duty plastic bags and an aluminum frame that attaches to another type of spile. The more traditional metal or plastic 2-gallon buckets can also be used equipped with the large hook that hangs down below the spile. ![]() Weigh down the bucket with a rock or brick to keep the wind from tipping it over. It is important to keep the collection buckets covered so that bird droppings, twigs, rain, snow and other debris do not get into the sap. Try to position the tap in the tree at the right height above the ground so that the bucket can be set on the ground. Drill a hole, large enough to accept the tube near the top of the bucket, and insert the tube through the hole. A good method that we have found when tapping trees at McCrory Gardens is to purchase inexpensive 5-gallon plastic buckets with covers. Sap CollectionĪttach the bucket to the spile, either by hanging it from the spile or by inserting the tube into it. Silver maples with taps and buckets to collect sap. If you tap them in too far, you might split the wood, causing a poor seal. The spiles are tapered so that they will go in easily but become tight in the hole as you tap them in farther. Carefully tap the spile into the tree until it is snugly seated in the hole. The spiles designed to be hooked to a small collection tube should be positioned so that this one points downward. Position the spile in the hole so that it is pointing up the right way, which will vary depending on the type of spile you are using, but generally you will see the tip open on the top where the sap will flow out. Remove any wood chips from the hole by blowing in it or use a small piece of wire to get them out. Angle the hole up slightly so that sap will easily flow out of the hole. Wrap some tape around the drill bit to indicate the depth you want. Spiles come in two sizes, designed to be installed in either a 5/16” or 7/16” hole that you will drill into the tree about 1 1/2 to 2” deep. Spiles should be installed in the trees before typical sap flow begins, that means by the end of February or early March for most people. Note that just two large silver maples (18” diameter) will produce enough sap to make a gallon of syrup.Ī bucket hanging from a spile on a sugar maple tree. Perhaps they would be willing to help you out in allowing you to tap their trees and maybe even help in boiling down the sap later on for a share of the syrup. If you don’t have many maples in your yard, check your neighbor’s yard. Seeds of sugar maples and boxelders mature in the fall, but some of the samaras may still be attached to the tree in the winter and aids in identifying whether or not it is a maple.īefore starting to make maple syrup, you need to have access to some of the maple trees mentioned below. Silver maple seeds mature in the spring and are generally off of the tree by early June. When the seeds are mature, they fall from the tree and spin or helicopter to the ground. The actual seed is attached to a flat wing-like structure. As it turns out, there are several tree varieties throughout South Dakota that are suitable for tapping maple syrup below are a few of the most-common types.Īll of these maples have similar seeds, called samaras. ![]() David Graper has also made syrup from his yard, but used boxelder as his source of sap, also known as Manitoba maple. ![]() Peter Schaefer, began experimenting in his home yard, tapping silver maple trees about eight years ago and found that he could be quite successful. Peter Schaefer tapping silver maple trees during a class demonstration.ĭr. Leaves are susceptible to wind (leaf scorch) and hail damage.Dr. Typically show iron chlorosis (yellowing of leaf with veins remaining green) in alkaline soils. Slow growing.Ĭulture: Prefers slightly acidic, well-drained soil and moderate moisture requirement. Hair along upper edge of scar.įlower: Yellowish-green, 1-3 inches long panicles, blooming before leaves appear. Lobes are almost smooth, few teeth, and the petiole does not yield a milky sap.īud: Slender, sharp pointed and brown. 6b – Lobes more sharply pointed than Bigtooth Maple.5a – Margins of lobes are smooth - go to 6.1a – Opposite leaf arrangement on stem - go to 2. ![]()
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