I understand the adverse reaction some folks have to this practice, but I’m highly interested in the research.
I can’t see myself planting and maintaining acres of saplings, but I can see augmenting my existing bush with this method as a part of sugar bush management.
Those deformed and hollow trees that we cull could be allowed to stump sprout and be tapped within our lifetime. Those saplings we would normally remove in a new growth section to promote healthy crown development of other saplings in the area could also be used, at least for a few years.
With this method we could get sap from trees we otherwise wouldn’t, all the while promoting healthy development of new and perhaps some old growth woodlots alike.
Bring on the research Dr. Tim, I’m all eyes/ears.
42.67N 84.02W
350 taps- 300 on vacuum, 50 buckets
JD gator 625i Sap hauler w/65 gal tank
Leader 2X6 drop flue
Homemade auto draw-off
Homemade preheater
Homebrew RO, 2- xle-4040's
LaPierre double vertical releaser
Kinney KC-8 vacuum pump
12X24 shack
Lots of chickens and a few cats.