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Thread: Smallest size tree acceptable for tapping

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    North Grenville
    Posts
    1,477

    Default Smallest size tree acceptable for tapping

    Hey all, a friend of mine is planning to buy some 8ft high maples that are 6 in around. Seller tells her that in 3 yrs time they will be tappable.

    W.T.F.....would any seller be that unscrupulous?! My smallest trees is 10.5 in front to back, a good 40 in around, and it's a one-spiler. Biggest trees are about 190-200in around and they take 3.

    Thoughts welcome!
    Been tapping since 2008.
    2018 - 17 taps/7 trees...819l sap, approx 28l syrup
    2019 - 18 taps/8 trees...585l sap, 28l syrup...21:1 ratio
    2020 - 18 taps/8 trees...890.04l sap...gave away about 170l, 30l snafu'd....23l total for me from approx 690l
    2021 - 18 taps/8 trees...395l sap, 12 l syrup
    2022 - 18 taps/8 trees....7 sugars 1 red due to #2 having surgery so had the season off....582l sap, 18.5l syrup
    2023 - 18 taps/8 trees...all sugars again. 807l sap, so far approx 14l syrup

  2. #2
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    River Falls, WI
    Posts
    831

    Default

    I think lots of guys tap anything 8" and up. Everyone has to make their own choice which of their trees to tap though.
    -Ryan


    Went off the deep end. Might be in over my head...

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Frankford, Ontario
    Posts
    1,045

    Default

    If the trees are 6" around now (2" dia) then in an open area (lawn) with good light and appropriate soil and moisture, they should be ready to tap conventionally (10" dia) in 20-25 years. The first couple of years they will recover from transplanting, then once the roots are established, they should put on ~1/4 dia a year.

    If the friend intends to "topless tap" them using Dr Tim's methods, then they could start this year.
    Big_Eddy
    Eastern Ontario (Quinte)
    20+ years on a 2x3 block arch,
    Homemade 20"x64" drop flue since 2011

    Build a Block Arch
    Build a Flat Pan
    Build a Flue Pan
    Sweetening the Pans
    Build a Bending Brake
    Using a Hydrotherm
    How much Sap to Sweeten?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    North Grenville
    Posts
    1,477

    Default

    Hey Big_Eddy, no way am I tellin my friend about topless tapping!! I don't know what method her cousin's bf is using but I sure hope it isn't that.
    Been tapping since 2008.
    2018 - 17 taps/7 trees...819l sap, approx 28l syrup
    2019 - 18 taps/8 trees...585l sap, 28l syrup...21:1 ratio
    2020 - 18 taps/8 trees...890.04l sap...gave away about 170l, 30l snafu'd....23l total for me from approx 690l
    2021 - 18 taps/8 trees...395l sap, 12 l syrup
    2022 - 18 taps/8 trees....7 sugars 1 red due to #2 having surgery so had the season off....582l sap, 18.5l syrup
    2023 - 18 taps/8 trees...all sugars again. 807l sap, so far approx 14l syrup

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Albion PA
    Posts
    5,099

    Default

    I have heard that they are too small when you drill the tap hole and have to put a spile in both sides of the tree to plug the hole! Not touching the topless thing!
    Regards,
    Chris
    Casbohm Maple and Honey
    625 roadside taps + Neighbors bring some sap too!
    3x10 King, WRU, AOF and AUF
    12" SIRO Filter Press.
    2015 Ford F250 PSD sap hauler
    One Golden named Maggie, Norwegian Forest Cat named Lucy
    Too many Cub Cadets
    Ford Jubilee and several Allis WD's, and IH tractors
    1932 Ford AAB ton and a half, dump truck

    www.mapleandhoney.com

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