taping maple tree

[Neil Burzynski]

We are attemping to make maple surup and taped one of our trees in the backyard yesterday. So far, we have obtained a gallon of sap over the past 24 hours. What are the health consequences to the tree? Is there any further safety and health concerns to the tree during a season with moderate drought?

 

[Jay Banks]

Neil,
The northern "sugar-bush" has survived for decades and are still tapped each spring. Of course the trees are out and away from the stresses of urban life.

It sounds as if you have tapped your only shade tree in the backyard. So I would recommend that you maintain the trees health this year. That means a nice mulch ring out the the drip line. Maybe some additional water during the summer.

And watch your tree during the year for any signs of stress or insects.

 

[Treeman14]

By the way, I believe you need to boil down about forty gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup.

 

[Jay Banks]

40:1 is about right.

 

[ArborView]

40:1 is right on. We just started tapping here in Western Mass, which is a little bit early compared to most years. If the weather stays like it has been, it will be a great year. Last year they were using snowshoes to collect the sap because the snow was so deep, this year the ground is bare. Crazy.
It shouldn't affect the health of your tree at all. But considering the dry summer we had last year and the lack of precip. this winter, it would be a good idea to give the tree some extra water this summer.