Quote Originally Posted by EriobNY View Post
I do a similar thing in my neighborhood and I've been trying to work out what is a fair trade? in the past only one neighbor, now more interesting. Thoughts welcome!
I'm in a neighborhood in southern Maine that is made up mostly of 1/4 and 1/3 acre lots. I myself don't have a single maple but over the last 8 or so years I've built up to a total of 120 taps (all red, Norway and silver maples). As a rule I distribute 1/3 of my total output to the tree owners. Its probably overly generous given the massive time, energy and equipment investment but it gives me access I otherwise wouldn't have and everyone I work with is very thankful to get a quart or two anually. I give more to those who have more trees, or those who's trees produce the most sap, highest sugar content, etc. I'm not super disciplined but I do keep a list of who got what year to year to make sure its relatively consistent. Its a great way to bring a neighborhood together, everyone loves the process and looks forward to seeing the buckets hanging in the spring. Good luck!