1. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Lesson 5 Tapping and Collecting Guidelines and Procedures

2. Maple Syrup in the Classroom How Many Taps? Each tree must be measured and evaluated to determine the number of taps to put in the tree. It must also be checked to ensure the tree is healthy enough to be tapped. Tapping guidelines based on diameter of the trunk will provide the basis for this decision. 5.1

3. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Tapping Guidelines Traditional (Not Recommended) Diameter……….# of Taps 10-15 1 15-20 2 20-25 3 25+ 4 Conservative (Recommended) Diameter……....# of Taps 12-18 1 18+ 2 5.2

4. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Measuring Tree Diameter Tree Diameter Tape Biltmore Stick String – –Note: When using any method above remember to measure diameter at 4.5 feet from the base of the tree DBH (diameter breast height). 5.3

5. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Diameter Tape Wrap tape around tree. Wrap tape around tree. Read tape where the “0” mark lines up with the corresponding numbers. Read tape where the “0” mark lines up with the corresponding numbers. 5.4 www.agnr.umd.edu/.../ Publication.cfm?ID=77

6. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Biltmore Stick First establish the point to be measured on the tree, which is 4.5 feet above the ground. Find the “Diameter of Tree (inches)” side of the stick. Stand facing the center of the tree and hold the stick horizontally at arms length (25 inches) so you can see the measurement increment. Line up the zero end of the stick with the left side of the trunk of the tree and look (do not move your head) to the point where the right side of the trunk meets the stick. 5.5 www.agnr.umd.edu/.../ Publication.cfm?ID=77

7. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Using a String – –Cut a string 57 inches long. – –Color the last 19 inches. – –Wrap the string around the tree. – –If the uncolored end touches the string in the colored section the tree diameter is between 12 and 18 inches. – –If the ends of the string do not meet the tree has a diameter larger than 18 inches. – –If the uncolored end touches the string in the uncolored section the tree diameter is less than 12 inches. 5.6

8. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Healthy Tree? After identifying the correct trees to tap you must: – –Check around the base of the trunk for any visible signs of damage. – –Check the crown of the tree for visible signs of die back. – –Check the trunk to see if it is hollow. 5.7

9. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Tree Selection If any of the fore mentioned visible signs of damage or stress are present, select other trees to tap until the tree has had an opportunity to heal. 5.8

10. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Tapping Procedures 5.9

11. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Tapping Procedure Use a clean / sterile 5/16” or 7/16” sharp drill bit. Use slow drill speed. Drill a straight clean hole at a slight 10 degree angle up into the tree. Drill the hole depth not more than 2”. – –Tip: Measure up from the tip of your drill bit 2 inches and wrap with a piece of masking tape to use a depth gauge. 5.10

12. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Setting the Spile 5.11 Sapwood Spile Bark Taphole ohioline.osu.edu/ for-fact/0036.html

13. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Tapping signals the beginning of the sugar season! 5.12 www4.fosters.com/.../ March_07/News/cit_0307a.asp

14. Maple Syrup in the Classroom 5.13 Is he using the correct angle? www.greenmtn.edu/ gmcjournal/journal032403.asp

15. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Setting the Spile Place spile in the tree with barb pointing down (plastic spile). Tap in place with hammer so the spile may not easily be pulled out by hand. Be careful not to overdrive the spile causing the bark to split. 5.14

16. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Plastic Spile in Tree 5.15

17. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Collecting and Storing Sap Sap should be collected as soon as possible after a run. Sap may be stored in pails on trees or in a large tank. Sap should be stored in a cool location. Sap may be stored up to a couple of days depending on temperature. Sap should be clear like water. If sap becomes cloudy or yellow it should be discarded. 5.16

18. Maple Syrup in the Classroom Filtering the Sap Sap should be filtered before it is put into a storage tank. Use a wire mesh screen to remove leaves, twigs and insects that may have fallen into the sap buckets. Sap may also be filtered before boiling with a finer cloth filter. 5.17