More Than Maple: Tappable Trees, Equipment, and Advice

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Perhaps you think about sap all the time or you’ve never considered where your maple syrup comes from. Several tree species contain products we want to use, and they are called tappable trees. This implies tree-tapping equipment can get something out of it, like syrup. Are there nearby trees where you can source and process your own goods? Discover essential tools to get started on your journey.

What Is Tree Tapping, and What Are Tappable Trees?

Tree tapping is when you insert a device through a hole in a tree trunk to harvest sap. The sap-flowing season can last four to six weeks, giving tappers a large window to grab all the deliciousness they can. But, which trees have sap worth grabbing?

The most common one people think of are maple trees, because they are the source of delicious maple syrup. Tappable varieties include:

• Sugar
• Black
• Red
• Silver

However, there are tappable trees outside of maples. Birch trees have syrup and water in the early spring. Black and English walnut trees have a spa you can turn into a unique walnut syrup. Finally, pine trees are tappable, too. Harvesters get pine resin from them to create a variety of products, like rosin for violin care or turpentine. Sweetgum trees also have gum resin, which is used for many things, including scented products and medicinal applications.

What Are Tree-Tapping Best Practices?

Tapping a tree seems like it might just be as easy as drilling a hole and waiting for sap to fall out. While it is kind of like this, there are techniques to ensure the tree stays healthy and the tapping process yields as much output as possible.

Choose the Right Time

As mentioned, there is a sap-flowing season for different types of trees. The most critical influence on sap flow is temperature, and tappers want to average around 32°F to 45°F for the ideal harvest. Late winter and early spring are your window of opportunity. February, March, and April are the best times, depending on where you live.

Select Healthy Trees

You don’t want to sap resources from a tree that is already struggling. Assess a tree’s health before putting tapping equipment into it. They should be free of disease and be relatively sturdy.

Use the Right Equipment

Don’t know what tappable tree equipment to use? We have recommendations for you, but know everything should be food-grade to prevent contamination and make the processing aspect of your responsibilities much simpler. 

Make Clean Cuts

When making your hole, you’ll want to make the cuts at an upward angle so the sap has a nice slide to flow down. Gravity will take care of the rest. A clean cut also means staying away from knots and other holes that might already be in the trunk.

Limit the Number of Taps

You don’t want to go overboard on a single tree. If you want to increase your yield, simply tap more trees. One spile per tree is recommended, anyway, because too much stress could damage the tree permanently. You should only tap a tree once a year.

Monitor Sap Flow

You won’t need to replace sap containers daily, but you should keep an eye on sap flow for a few reasons. This will help you tune into the flow rate and also inform you how much you’re going to get throughout the season. Once it dries, you know it’s time to remove the taps for the season.

Clean and Sanitize Equipment

You will want to sanitize and wash everything before and after you tap trees. You don’t want anything to have buildup on it when you go to tap for a new season or have any contaminants. 

What Tappable Tree Equipment Do I Need?

These best practices are only made better with quality tools. Here is what you need to get started. 

1. Tapping Kit

Tapping kits have many different looks, but beginner sets tend to have most of what you need in one bundle. They have drop lines, filters, spiles, and more. 

Buy it on Amazon.

2. Drill Bits

You need the right size drill bit to put in your drill to make the hole large enough for sap to flow. A 5/16-inch or 7/16-inch size is good enough, though tree-tapping drill sets may come with more.

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3. Food-Grade Containers

You need something to collect the syrup, water, and resin. They should be food-grade to keep everything sanitary. You can even use bags if you find that’s simpler for your setup.

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4. Hygienic Equipment

Cleanliness is critical for the safety of you and the tree. Sanitizing solutions and gloves are critical components.

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5. Processing Equipment

If you want to make maple syrup or soap after the season is over, you’ll need the right materials to achieve your goals. For example, you may be processing maple syrup, so you need thermometers, filters, and evaporators. If you’re making soap, you’ll need molds for shaping and scents. Whatever your objective may be, there might be peripherals associated with it.

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What Do I Do With the Output?

What can that look like other than maple syrup? Here are a few ideas that go outside the standard maple syrup for delicious breakfasts:

• Drink sweeteners and ingredients for cocktails
• Marinades and salad dressings
• Candles or incense
• Antiseptic home medicine remedies
• Crafting projects, like jewelry-making
• Fire starters
• Rubber

You may also think of things to do with the sap that nobody else has ever tried before. Sap is a highly robust, durable, and malleable material that can be used endlessly if you just put your mind to it.

Tapping In

Tap into tappable trees and reap delicious and useful rewards. It doesn’t require much to get started, and the results net resourceful folks with crafty and cook-worthy materials. Stay educated about what kind of trees are near you and local regulations, and tap until your heart’s content.