The TREES

[SWEETSAP]

We have only been sugaring for about 6 years now but over those years I have noticed a few things about our trees. The most concerning to us for this year being the lack of color in the stems. We start to tap every year when the shoots / stems and buds have a nice red look to them and the buds have begun to firm up (about 6 to 7 weeks before actually budding). For us this is a week or so before the sap starts to flow. This year we are still not even seeing the slightest color change. Not to be fooled completely are planning to tap within the next week. Does anyone else notice the lack of color in the tops of the trees this year? Could the cold have killed off the the thinner stems? Just looking for insight.

[red maples]

I have never noticed. as for the red maples the buds seem to always be there. I pay more attention to the weather than the trees. Although it has been a very cold winter. most of the trees you are tapping are 30-40+ years old and have seen, high waters, heavy rains, extreme cold and extreme heat and maybe a drought here and there. they are very hardy hardy. You have to remember we are are in the southern part of NH and most of the maple syrup comes out of VT and canada where their average cold Temp for winter make us look like beach weather. I wouldn't worry. but get those taps in saps coming soon!!!

[DrTimPerkins]

Could the cold have killed off the the thinner stems?

Maple trees (red, maple, black) are extremely cold tolerant. The cold we have had won't bother them in the least.

[SWEETSAP]

Thanks. the trees are finally starting to color up. This is about 4 weeks later than normal. You have to love Mother Nature!!!