Barbwire Fence

[ebourassa]

I have aprrox. 15 maples that have barb wire inbedded in them, i am wondering if you can tap these and how will the rusted metal wire effect the sap? In my small operation 30 extra taps helps.

[forester1]

I don't know about affecting the taste. Maybe if you tap opposite from the wire you shouldn't get any affect since nutrients travel vertically in the tree.

[Salmoneye]

Have tapped trees with wire in them for decades...

Should be no effect to the sap as the wire started on the outside of the tree and when it grows around the wire it 'seals' the wire off in dead wood...There is no sap layer (cambium) that touches the wire...

[themapleking]

I have 30 trees with wire in them. It doesn't affect the sap flow or sugar % . Just tap higher than the wire.. The sap flows down any ways. Plus tapping higher you don't run into suprises with your drill bit.