that depends on the site quality, growing conditions, and how big they are now. did you plant them youself? If so it will take a vouple of years to get the roots established.
I would guess 20-30 years.
Maple Syrup 'hobby' Production
- Thread starter Kyle241
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I would guess 20-30 years.
ENG18LT
Platinum Member
Wow. They have not been planted yet. Thanks.
I made some very broad assumptions to come up with that number, plus tried to remember how quickly maples have grown which I've planted in the past. Also used the old minimum of 10 inches in diameter at 4.5 feet, whereas now they tap much smaller trees. (I go down to 9 inches, but I have more trees than I need.
SPIKER
Elite Member
to keep tree damage and long term survivability you need to tap only 1 tap per 10" of tree. no more than 3 in a good size tree. I have a few that I get 3 in all 5/16" tree saver taps I gave up using the 7/16 taps and find it hard to find the holes from last year.
I tap several trees that are multi-stem with a single tap in each stem too, there are several like this in close proximity and drain into 5 gallon buckets that usually over flow on good days.
when tapping 2 years in a row keep the prior year's tap hole away from current year by 1/3 and above/below.
when tapping the tree look for the major roots coming in/out and tap along those for best results.
mark
I tap several trees that are multi-stem with a single tap in each stem too, there are several like this in close proximity and drain into 5 gallon buckets that usually over flow on good days.
when tapping 2 years in a row keep the prior year's tap hole away from current year by 1/3 and above/below.
when tapping the tree look for the major roots coming in/out and tap along those for best results.
mark
MadJack
Silver Member
Jstpassn, buy your supplies from a sugar shack. I went to the Bacon farm in Sidney and found taps for .25 each, and "Y's" for .43 each. I have paid [in the past] nearly $1 each for taps, won't make that mistake again.
I usually tap trees with the biggest crown and directly under the first large limb.
Now I'm using canning jars for syrup since I've been buying them at yard sales during the summer cheap. [$2 a dozen]
I usually tap trees with the biggest crown and directly under the first large limb.
Now I'm using canning jars for syrup since I've been buying them at yard sales during the summer cheap. [$2 a dozen]
Avondale
Platinum Member
Our shack is now ready for the season. We are almost ready to hang our pails but I have a hard time with concept that mid-Feb is syrup season. When we first started, season seemed to align with school March break. Oh well, must go with the flow, eh?
Thanks, I found that out the hard way. Every year I upgrade a little. Last year I bought supplies from Bob's in Dover-Foxcroft, including tubing and a reusable felt filter. This year I'm buying a hydrometer(?) to measure the specific gravity to determine when it's done.
Next year I'm going to redo my evaporator so that I have a preheat pan.
I have plenty of mason jars, one year I went overboard putting up from my vegetable garden. Even new they're cheaper than plastic bottles, plus they're reusable. :thumbsup:
I have enough trees to make about 40-50 quarts if I really wanted to and had considered selling a few gallons; but after seeing what my neighbors do to produce a quality product I'll stick with boiling it for my own use.
JB4310
Super Member
This is on craigslist today, looks like a good arch stove not sure about the pan.
Maple Syrup Arch-Evaporator and Pan
JB
Maple Syrup Arch-Evaporator and Pan
JB
forester2
Gold Member
There's a good little book called 'Backyard Sugaring' if I remember correctly.
That's in my library. It's interesting reading but I didn't find it that helpful. Perhaps it would be, for someone who has never done it before.
I haven't picked up a Leader catalog in years; but if I remember correctly they have a lot of helpful hints. The Cooperative Extension also has a lot on the subject.