Expertise

Assuming you have properly identified the tree as a maple and the weather is right, you are ready to tap your maple trees. Read the following directions completely before beginning. 

Step 1: Tools required are a drill bit, drill (cordless, corded, or hand brace), spout, small hammer, bucket or other type of collection device and a cover, if applicable.

Step 2: Install the drill bit into the drill.

Step 3: locate the southern exposure of the tree. The south facing side tends to thaw faster and produce sap earlier than the other exposures.

Step 4: locate a spot on the southern side that is free of defects. Look up to see if there are any large branches that have broken, and check around the truck for rotten spots.

Step 5: holding the drill at chest height, place the bit against the chosen spot and drill into the tree. The ideal tap hole depth is 1” in the white of the wood.

Step 6: Identify which end goes in the tree and which end the sap comes out. Before inserting the spout into the tree,