Advice for Extracting Sap From Trees

There’s no reason why you shouldn’t be able to enjoy the benefits of free sap from your landscaping trees. Although a bit labor-intensive, sap extraction is something any homeowner can do themselves. However, you must have the right knowledge to be successful at collecting rich and delicious sap. Continue reading to learn some helpful tips on extracting sap from trees.

Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770

Fishers Tree Services 317-537-9770

Gather Your Supplies

To get started, you will need some sap collecting equipment. You can find these items at any local home improvement store, gardening store, or nursery. You will need either a drill or an auger, some masking tape, a drill and drill bit, a piece of PVC piping that is ½ inch in diameter, a hammer or mallet, and a collection container. Instead of PVC, you can buy an actual tap or spile, just be sure it isn’t copper, which is toxic to trees. If you are using a bucket as your collection container, be sure you also have a sufficient tubing that will extend from the tree to the bucket.

Choose the Right Tree

Although all conifer trees produce sap, not all conifer trees produce good-tasting sap. For this reason, it is vital that you choose the right tree for your sap needs. The perfect trees to tap for sap include Sugar Maples, Black Maples, Red Maples, Silver Maples, and Box Elders. Birch, Sycamore, Walnut, and Hickory trees are also an option, but their sap has a much different taste because it is primarily fructose syrup, whereas Maples are primarily sucrose. Aside from species, it is important to choose a tree with a decent trunk diameter (at least 12 inches).

Tap at the Right Time

The best time to tap a tree for sap is when sap is actually present. Trees do not produce sap in the winter. Sap production generally starts in mid-February, and extends through early-March. These are the best months to tap your tree for sap. Wait until daytime temperatures are averaging around 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and nighttime temperatures are averaging around 20 degrees Fahrenheit. At the start of production, sap is lighter in color and has a mellower flavor. As the season progresses, the sap takes on a darker color and richer taste.

Fishers Tree Service

Tree Service Coupon Fishers Indiana

Fishers Tree Service 317-537-9770

Call 317-537-9770 for professional and affordable tree service in Fishers, Indiana. We are experienced tree care contractors who provide a wide range of residential and commercial tree services, including routine tree service, major tree work, lot clearing, and more. Call 317-537-9770 to request a free estimate for Fishers tree service, today.