By Scout Nelson
Some maple syrup producers worry about early sap flow due to winter warm-ups. Many large-scale producers follow a set schedule, tapping trees in February to collect sap by March. However, producers in warmer regions may begin up to two weeks earlier.
Early warm-ups can cause sap to flow, but these thaws are often temporary. Historically, the peak sap collection period falls between mid-March and mid-April, allowing enough time for colder weather and snow to return. Large commercial producers usually delay tapping most of their trees, while small-scale hobbyists with fewer trees might tap early. However, this could result in only a brief sap flow.
Sap runs best when daytime temperatures are mild but still drop below freezing at night. If temperatures stay too cold during the day, sap won’t flow. Conversely, if daytime temperatures exceed 55°F and nighttime temperatures remain above freezing, the sap will dry up.
To maintain tree health, it is best to tap each tree only once per season. Those tapping early should consider selecting a different tree for a later harvest to ensure a more productive sap run.
Photo Credit: university-of-minnesota
Categories: Minnesota, Crops, Fruits and Vegetables