Maple Syrup in the Classroom by Pete Barnum

1
Lesson 5Tapping and Collecting
Guidelines and Procedures
2
How Many Taps?

• Each tree must be measured and evaluated to
  determine the number of taps to put in the tree.
• It must also be checked to ensure the tree is
  healthy enough to be tapped.
• Tapping guidelines based on diameter of the trunk
  will provide the basis for this decision.

5.1
3
Tapping Guidelines

• Traditional (Not Recommended)
• Diameter. of Taps
• 10-15 1
• 15-20 2
• 20-25 3
• 25 4

• Conservative (Recommended)
• Diameter.... of Taps
• 12-18 1
• 18 2

5.2
4
Measuring Tree Diameter

• Tree Diameter Tape
• Biltmore Stick
• String
• Note When using any method above remember to
  measure diameter at 4.5 feet from the base of the
  tree DBH (diameter breast height).

5.3
5
Diameter Tape

• Wrap tape around tree.
• Read tape where the 0 mark lines up with the
  corresponding numbers.

www.agnr.umd.edu/.../ Publication.cfm?ID77
5.4
6
Biltmore Stick

• First establish the point to be measured on the
  tree, which is 4.5 feet above the ground.
• Find the Diameter of Tree (inches) side of the
  stick.
• Stand facing the center of the tree and hold the
  stick horizontally at arms length (25 inches) so
  you can see the measurement increment.
• Line up the zero end of the stick with the left
  side of the trunk of the tree and look (do not
  move your head) to the point where the right side
  of the trunk meets the stick.

www.agnr.umd.edu/.../ Publication.cfm?ID77
5.5
7
Using a String

• Cut a string 57 inches long.
• Color the last 19 inches.
• Wrap the string around the tree.
• If the uncolored end touches the string in the
  colored section the tree diameter is between 12
  and 18 inches.
• If the ends of the string do not meet the tree
  has a diameter larger than 18 inches.
• If the uncolored end touches the string in the
  uncolored section the tree diameter is less than
  12 inches.

5.6
8
Healthy Tree?

• After identifying the correct trees to tap you
  must
• Check around the base of the trunk for any
  visible signs of damage.
• Check the crown of the tree for visible signs of
  die back.
• Check the trunk to see if it is hollow.

5.7
9
Tree Selection

• If any of the fore mentioned visible signs of
  damage or stress are present, select other trees
  to tap until the tree has had an opportunity to
  heal.

5.8
10
Tapping Procedures
5.9
11
Tapping Procedure

• Use a clean / sterile 5/16 or 7/16 sharp drill
  bit.
• Use slow drill speed.
• Drill a straight clean hole at a slight 10 degree
  angle up into the tree.
• Drill the hole depth not more than 2.
• Tip Measure up from the tip of your drill bit 2
  inches and wrap with a piece of masking tape to
  use a depth gauge.

5.10
12
Setting the Spile
Sapwood
Taphole
Spile
Bark
ohioline.osu.edu/ for-fact/0036.html
5.11
13
Tapping signals the beginning of the sugar season!
www4.fosters.com/.../ March_07/News/cit_0307a.asp
5.12
14
Is he using the correct angle?
www.greenmtn.edu/ gmcjournal/journal032403.asp
5.13
15
Setting the Spile

• Place spile in the tree with barb pointing down
  (plastic spile).
• Tap in place with hammer so the spile may not
  easily be pulled out by hand.
• Be careful not to overdrive the spile causing the
  bark to split.

5.14
16
Plastic Spile in Tree
5.15
17
Collecting and Storing Sap

• Sap should be collected as soon as possible after
  a run.
• Sap may be stored in pails on trees or in a large
  tank.
• Sap should be stored in a cool location.
• Sap may be stored up to a couple of days
  depending on temperature.
• Sap should be clear like water. If sap becomes
  cloudy or yellow it should be discarded.

5.16
18
Filtering the Sap

• Sap should be filtered before it is put into a
  storage tank.
• Use a wire mesh screen to remove leaves, twigs
  and insects that may have fallen into the sap
  buckets.
• Sap may also be filtered before boiling with a
  finer cloth filter.

5.17