Gypsy moths and the effect on sap production

[mspina14]

We have a bad infestation this year of gypsy moths in eastern Connecticut that's going from bad to worse. Not sure if other parts of the US or Canada are seeing the same problem. But it's the worst I've seen in the 23 years we've lived here.

I drive down many local roads and along Interstates and see entire trees nearly completely defoliated.

I'm planning on tapping about 50-60 reds on vacuum for the first time this coming season. I was just out walking my property to mark the reds for tapping and noticed many reds with shredded leaves from Gypsy Moth caterpillars.

Anyone know what effect this kind of defoliation of Maple trees might have on sap production in the winter?

I'm thinking it can't be good...


Mark S.

[madmapler]

Considering that you need leaves for the production of sugar, I would say it's not good either.:(

[maple flats]

You should wait until 2 seasons after the infestation is over. The trees will try to refoliate this year, but the new leaves will not attain full size. The trees are weakened and even if you tapped the sugar would be very low.

[Maplewalnut]

Sorry to hear about your tress. Not that it matters...but for clarification do you have tent caterpillars or gypsy moths. Around here gypsy moths prefer oak trees and in fact will eat pine and fir, hemlock before maple. My highest sugar percentage year ever was the year after gypsy moths attacked our oaks,,presumably because the forest canopy opened up and maples got a lot more sun that summer.

[batsofbedlam]

Check out my post in the Sugarbush Management section on our gypsy moth problem with a photo. Yes, they are definitely Gypsy Moths.

[mspina14]

Sorry to hear about your tress. Not that it matters...but for clarification do you have tent caterpillars or gypsy moths. Around here gypsy moths prefer oak trees and in fact will eat pine and fir, hemlock before maple. My highest sugar percentage year ever was the year after gypsy moths attacked our oaks,,presumably because the forest canopy opened up and maples got a lot more sun that summer.

Come to think of it, the oaks are a lot more shredded than the maples.

So maybe a ray of hope after all....


Mark S.

[Mikehh]

Hi folks! Just new here. I do usually 200 gallons with 10 taps in the neighbors trees. In the last year, all maples have taken a decent hit by the gypsy moths, refoliated with the second push last summer. As I would hate to contribute to having the neighbors tree die on me, I was hoping for some input. I am not too much worried about a lower sugar content, But would be more worried about the tree dying. Assuming that the Gypsy moth problem is likely to be the same as last year, would tapping the trees put too much strain on them?

The question is tap them or not? My kids would hate to go without syrup for a year.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Mike