Sugar Content

[newman_maple]

Last year was a serious drought year and yielded me a terrible ratio (~58:1) compared to 45:1 the year before (also a drought year). This year has been generally drought free so I expect a much better ratio. I really cannot add more taps this year so I hope what could be fewer taps nets me more syrup! That would be sweet indeed.

What is the expert opinion on the matter from you veterans?

[3rdgen.maple]

This has been debated all summer long and I don't see any real answer just guesses. My suggestion would be to keep a log of the seasonal weather and see if there is any corralation. My thinking is it is what it is and we can't change nature so I will take what it gives me happily.

[Hop Kiln Road]

Hi Newman Maple, from your pictures it appears your orchard has an adequate water table. The sugar content of the sap may have more to do with the length of the root freeze over the winters. Also, I am having some success in raising the sugar content by fertilizing my trees, which is economically effective in an orchard situation but probably less so with a mountainside! Bruce