Tap Trees
The best time to tap maple trees varies a great deal for different geographic locations. The best sap flow generally occurs between January and February. In your first year I would recommend you tap a single tree in mid to late December. If no sap flows you should move the tap to a new tree every two weeks until sap starts flowing. Then tap the remaining trees. You can also contact a local maple syrup producer and ask for the precise dates in your area.
Equipment
- Power Drill
- 19/64 Drill bit
- Wood hammer
- Tap/hose assemblies
- Bottles/lids
- Bottle harnesses
Tapping Procedure
- Drill hole 1 ½ to 2 inches deep at a slight upward angle to allow sap to flow down into the tap by gravity
- Insert the tap and gently hit it with the wood hammer so that it is snuggly in place. Be careful not to hammer it in to hard as the wood may split, allowing the sap to leak
- Attach the bottle to the tap using the string bottle harness