Maple Syrup - We Tapped Today

[sugarmaker]

Thanks, Phil; a nice comment like that will get me out of the woodwork. I've been busy chasing the mice out of the sugarhouse, getting ready to tap this weekend. The northern VT weather is running about 3 weeks behind typical temperatures this year, and this weekend is the latest we've ever tapped.

 

[Schultz]

In the above manual link they also name the Box Elder as a tree that can be tapped. Now I finally have a use for these weed trees that I can't seem to get rid of.

 

[Anonymous Poster]

All this talk about maple syrup has me curious. I have a couple of maple trees in the yard. Anyone know where I can purchase a couple of spouts and buckets locally? I am in Milford, NH.

 

[PhilNH5]

cbh30,
Around here the hardware stores usually have the supplies. You may have to check a few.

Phil

 

[PhilNH5]

Dave,
Glad to see you back. Thought you had fallen off the board.

We are late here too but I can only compare to last year. We tapped last week when I started this thread. Then it got cold and I haven't collected hardly any sap. I hope this weekend warms up enough. I'd like to make some syrup on Sunday if possible.

Phil

 

[sugarmaker]

Your local farm or hardware store may have them. Or you can order them from Leader Evaporator and get them in a few days. Perhaps instead of buying buckets, you can use gallon milk jugs. Use a utility knife to cut a 1"X1" rectangle below the neck, and push the jug onto the spout once you've tapped the tree. Stays on even in windy weather. Best thing is no buckets to wash at the end of the season; recycling guy takes them away!