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- [Mark] This is Mark Isselhardt,

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Maple Specialist with the
University of Vermont extension,

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and this is another Vermont Maple Minute.

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Maple producers around the
state are busy tapping trees.

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Large syrup operations
with tens of thousands

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of taps begin tapping earlier
than smaller operations.

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This early start is necessary
so that everything is ready

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when the ideal weather
for sap flow arrives.

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Tapping requires many skills

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and tools to be done correctly.

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Drilling the hole is a
critical step in the process

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but so is how the spout is
seated in the fresh tap hole.

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The key to good sap yield

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and healthy trees is knowing

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how deep to seat the spout

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Listen to the sound of the
hammer striking the spout

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and feel for a change in

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the resistance to the tapping.

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The tone of the tapping sound will change

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and the hammer will bounce back slightly

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when the spout is well seated.

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(object tapping)

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Continuing to strike

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the spout beyond this point
risks damage to the tree

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and reduced sap yield.

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Spout design varies greatly based

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on bucket or gravity collection

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and spout material.

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Producers should listen
to the sound rather

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than use a set measurement

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for how far the spouts should be driven.

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According to research at

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the University of Vermont
Proctor Maple Research Center,

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spouts that were partially

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over driven saw almost
10% reduction in sap.

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Whereas spouts that were fully

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over driven saw over a 40%
reduction in sap yield.

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Metal carpenters hammers are

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the traditional tool used

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to ensure a tight seal
between spout and tree.

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But many sugar makers are opting

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for lighter weight mallets
to prevent over driving.

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This is Mark Isselhardt,

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Maple Specialist

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with University of Vermont Extension.

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And this has been another
Vermont Maple Minute.