2016

It’s time for maple tree sap

As the snow is slowly melting in the sun, this year slightly earlier then usually, it is the right time to collect maple tree sap. Maple tree sap is drained a bit sooner than birch sap.

Since maple tree sap is a valuable source of sugar and minerals that the tree needs for unfolding leaves and flowering, JSC "Latvian State Forests" (LVM) recommends to think not only about the benefits of maple tree sap, but also about the tree itself. One shouldn't take too much energy away from the tree. We should also bear in mind that each drillhole causes mechanical damage to the tree, through which a number of different micro-organisms can inhabit in the tree and cause staining of the wood, and later possibly also tree decay. It is important that the drillhole is not made too deep, and once sap has been tapped, the drillhole must be closed properly.

To reduce damage caused to the tree by tapping sap, LVM would like to stress some important preconditions that should be observed.

In the areas managed by LVM people are allowed to drill one tree each to collect sap, but for home consumption only. At the place of drilling (up to 50 centimetres from the ground), the tree must be at least 40 centimetres in diameter, and the hole should be drilled no deeper than five centimetres. It is because tree sap flows along the tree bark, and not from the kernel.

When sap has been tapped, the drillhole must be closed. This should be done by using a wooden peg that matches the diameter of the drillhole or is slightly larger.