My little backyard operation consisting of three silver maples is over for the season. Buds popped on Thursday the 14th. This was my first year, so I learned a lot and I know that I want to expand next year, hopefully with some sugar maples. Regardless, I had a lot of fun, the syrup is so good that I could drink it and I’m hooked for life!A7E98EC2-4943-4CEC-85B2-AD901C27BAD4.jpg
You are only done if you just want to be done. The syrup will still be good, I'm boiling today and I'm 40 miles south of you with reds and silvers. Don't let the flowers fool you on silvers and reds.
True story.Originally Posted by Ed R
It’s been a great day to boil outside Kalamazoo. It’s been a hard rolling boil all day in my backyard 2x4 oil tank operation.
Sugar maples really flowing too.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
42° 7' 14 N
50-60 Taps
Homemade 2x4 Arch
I do it for fun with family and friends!
Really? Dammit! Well, I don’t want to be done, but I’ve already boiled everything down and cleaned all my stuff. I suppose that it wouldn’t be difficult to pull it all back out. So how do you know when silver maples are done? When the sap stops flowing?
They usually just stop wanting to run, even if the temps are optimal. Go ahead and get your buckets back on, tommorrow will be the best run of t he year
Great week?
175 to 350 per day for a week now and this one should be better. The sunshine is so appreciated, you can get into the woods without slogging through deep snow or deep water. Hopefully a couple more weeks to go and we'll catch last years take. It's a great time to be outside and the days are getting noticeably longer.
The sap is flowing! My taps that receive good sun throughout the day are producing 1.5-2 gallons each as of yesterday and guessing the same or more today. Get it while you can!
2017 First year late start 18 taps. Produced 2 gallons syrup. Hooked for life.
2018 2nd Year early start 26 taps In Jan increased to 86 taps March. Upgraded outdoor boiler concrete block & 2 20"x30"x5" Stainless pans. Swimming in sap this March! 100% disconnected all taps 3-27-18. Syrup produced 15 gallons!
2019 Season late to start only a week before spring break. Season total syrup 1.5 gallons. Enjoyed every drop.
2023 2/10/23 8 taps producing 1-1.5gal/24hrs.
I took in approx. 220 gallons on 110 taps today-incredible. Sugar was 2.2% overall. Glad I bought an RO this year.
Clay in Almont
Clay Stroup
Stroup's Sugar Bush
Almont, MI
2016: 20 taps, 2 gallons
2017: 80 taps, 12 gallons
2018: 92 taps, 16 gallons
2019: 110 taps, 34 gallons
2020: 140 taps, 31-1/2 gallons
2021: 155 taps, 32 gallons
2022: 190 taps, 29-1/2 gallons
2023: 200 taps, 42 gallons
Leader WSE 2x6 drop flue
Mason Steam Pan finishing set up
D & G 7" Filter Press
Next Gen 180 HPRO RO
John Deere Gator 4 x 2
12 x 18 Sugar Shack built in 2019
Just checked my buckets and average was 2-2.5gallons per tap in 24hrs.
2017 First year late start 18 taps. Produced 2 gallons syrup. Hooked for life.
2018 2nd Year early start 26 taps In Jan increased to 86 taps March. Upgraded outdoor boiler concrete block & 2 20"x30"x5" Stainless pans. Swimming in sap this March! 100% disconnected all taps 3-27-18. Syrup produced 15 gallons!
2019 Season late to start only a week before spring break. Season total syrup 1.5 gallons. Enjoyed every drop.
2023 2/10/23 8 taps producing 1-1.5gal/24hrs.
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