Q&A for How to Tap a Tree for Maple Syrup

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Should the maple syrup be thin or thick?

Community Answer

The thicker the syrup, the higher concentrate of sugar. The thinner the syrup, the less concentrated amount.

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Question

Does the tap hole need to be plugged afterwards?

Community Answer

No. The tree seals the holes up itself over time. There will always be a little "scar" however. But there is no reason to plug the hole.

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Question

Is maple syrup bad for your health?

Community Answer

If it is natural maple syrup, it isn't bad for you. However, if it is artificial, then it will cause you to gain weight and can cause cavities, as it's little more than flavored sugar syrup. Always prefer the authentic syrup.

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Question

At the end of the season, should I take the spile out of the hole and plug it up?

Community Answer

You should take the spiles out of the holes, but do not plug the hole with anything. The tree will heal on its own.

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Question

Do I have to harvest the sap everyday? I can only go to my land every three weeks.

Community Answer

If you have very large container, and some tubing going from the tap to the container, and the lid is on good and tight, and nothing will knock it over, every three weeks should be okay -- as long as day time temperatures don't get over 7 for too long. If they, do, the syrup will go rancid.

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Question

I placed a tap to low to gravity feed to my tubing line. How can I correct this?

Adele Orr

Top Answerer

Remove the tap and try higher up on another tree. The first tree will plug up the hole on its own, and you can try tapping it again next year.

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Question

Can I boil the syrup in an oven?

Community Answer

No, the amount of steam that boils off may plug your oven's vent, creating a pressure cooker.

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Question

Can I leave taps in all year and reuse them in the spring?

Adele Orr

Top Answerer

No, you should remove the taps after the season is over. Leaving the taps in the tree will cause damage. The next year, you can use the same spiles again, just make sure your new hole is at least 6 inches away from the old one.

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Question

Can you use a homemade spile instead of the store-bought ones?

Adele Orr

Top Answerer

Yes, you can make a homemade spile with aluminum piping. Do not use copper, as this is toxic to the tree.

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