- [Mark] This is Mark Isselhardt,
Maple Specialist with the University of Vermont extension,
and this is another Vermont Maple Minute.
Maple producers around the state are busy tapping trees.
Large syrup operations with tens of thousands
of taps begin tapping earlier than smaller operations.
This early start is necessary so that everything is ready
when the ideal weather for sap flow arrives.
Tapping requires many skills
and tools to be done correctly.
Drilling the hole is a critical step in the process
but so is how the spout is seated in the fresh tap hole.
The key to good sap yield
and healthy trees is knowing
how deep to seat the spout
Listen to the sound of the hammer striking the spout
and feel for a change in
the resistance to the tapping.
The tone of the tapping sound will change
and the hammer will bounce back slightly
when the spout is well seated.
(object tapping)
Continuing to strike
the spout beyond this point risks damage to the tree
and reduced sap yield.
Spout design varies greatly based
on bucket or gravity collection
and spout material.
Producers should listen to the sound rather
than use a set measurement
for how far the spouts should be driven.
According to research at
the University of Vermont Proctor Maple Research Center,
spouts that were partially
over driven saw almost 10% reduction in sap.
Whereas spouts that were fully
over driven saw over a 40% reduction in sap yield.
Metal carpenters hammers are
the traditional tool used
to ensure a tight seal between spout and tree.
But many sugar makers are opting
for lighter weight mallets to prevent over driving.
This is Mark Isselhardt,
Maple Specialist
with University of Vermont Extension.
And this has been another Vermont Maple Minute.