As consumers seek natural food sources and as the commercial price of maple syrup continues to rise, tapping maple trees by “hobbyists” has become increasingly popular. The base of individuals tapping trees at home is growing, and that is wonderful – less store bought high fructose corn syrup “pancake syrup,” more education for our children about nature, and the best maple syrup you ever tasted (yours always tastes the best).

If you live in the Northeast / Mid-West US or Canada and have access to a mature maple tree (at least 12 inches in diameter), you too can partake in the fun. The time to tap maple trees is late winter / early spring, but the time to prepare is now! The easiest way to identify your maple trees (preferably Sugar Maple) is by the leaf structure. Time is running out – soon all those leaves will be on the ground. Tap My Trees (http://www.tapmytrees.com) web site provides all the information you need to identify your maple trees, collect maple sap, and turn that sap into maple syrup. Happy tapping!

–Joe McHale (Tap My Trees)