We have been watching the extended forecast around here with great interest. We need freezing nights and day time temps around 40 degrees to get the sap flowing. Well the time is almost here!!! Next week looks like we will be seeing a warming trend so it is time to get out a few test taps.
So how does one tap a tree? Well it is really very simple. Once you have identified your maple and have your equipment ready (we make our own taps and bucket) get your drill ready and head out!
Drill a hole in the tree about 3 1/2 to 4 feet from the ground at a depth of
about 1 1/2″ to 2″. Drill in an upward angle. Since we are using 1/4″ pex pipe as taps, we us a 1/4″ drill bit. You want your tap to fit very snug or you will have leaks and no one wants to waste sap!
Once we tap (hammer in the tube) we put a nail above it to
use for hanging our “bucket.” We us both soda bottles and milk jugs as buckets.
We simply twist wire around the neck or handle of the item and then make a loop
that will slide on and off the nail for emptying. That’s it, really!! The tree is tapped and ready to flow when the weather is right.
For more information on how to tap your trees and maple maple syrup at home, check out our tab, Making Maple Syrup on our blog!
This is so much easier (and cheaper) than my set up. Thanks for sharing this.
Thanks Robin. For the "backyard" tapper it just makes more sense then spending so much.