This is probably a very basic question, because I'm a total novice. What are the factors that you can use to guess relative sugar content of a tree. I have way more trees on my property than I have time or boiling capacity for. So I want to pick the best ones. The most obvious factor is:
- Crown size.
But what else? Is there any relation to things like:
- On a steep hill, the direction the hill is facing? Like, will a north-facing tree have lower sugar than a south-facing tree?
- Size of the trunk?
- Color of the leaves? Will a tree that always has brown leaves perform better or worse than one with bright orange leaves?
- How late the tree holds onto its leaves? Some trees seem to drop their leaves at the first sign of frost, while others still have bright green leaves.
- Anything else?
Thanks!
Gabe
2016: Homemade arch from old wood stove; 2 steam tray pans; 6 taps; 1.1 gal
2017: Same setup. 15 taps; 4.5 gal
2018: Same setup. Limited time. 12 taps and short season; 2.2 gal
2019: Very limited time. 7 taps and a short season; 1.8 gals
2020: New Mason 2x3 XL halfway through season; 9 taps 2 gals
2021: Same 2x3, 18 taps, 4.5 gals
2022: 23 taps, 5.9 gals
2023: 23 taps. Added AUF, 13.2 gals
2024: 17 taps, 5.3 gals
All on buckets