Most years, it feels like the maple sap run has a mind of its own! We want it to start early and last for a long time but Mother Nature is in charge here. And all we can do is be ready to make the most of it.
If you’re a beginner, the most important thing to know: temperatures determine everything that happens during the season. When the nighttime temps fall below freezing and are followed by a daytime temperature in the 40s, the sap will begin to flow. This pattern needs to be consistent for a few days for it to really kick in. Then, as each day progressively gets warmer and the sap flows through the tree, it will start to wake up. Once a tree “buds out”, the season is done as this can make the sap off-tasting.
Typically, this temperature range happens in late February and early March and the sap run can last into April. It depends on so many factors: where you live (southern areas’ seasons start sooner) and the weather during that year. The key is to watch the forecast and be ready. It’s a lot like being a surfer! When the waves are good, we go out there.
We’ve put together a checklist to help you prepare. Most of this gear you already have in your garage or kitchen. You only need the specialized tapping and filtering gear to make your own pure maple syrup. Just click below to download and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
