Maple Syrup

While making maple syrup can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive process, many maple producers find it to be very rewarding. On this page, access information on collecting maple sap and producing maple syrup. Find advice on using traditional buckets, as well as utilizing tubing systems with an artificial vacuum. Discover expert tips for beginners in the industry.

Getting Started With Maple Syrup

In the United States, maple syrup production is a rapidly growing sector, especially in the Northeast and northern Midwest. Pennsylvania is an important maple syrup producing region. The state ranks fifth to seventh in national production with 60,000 gallons per year and over $1.9 million average crop value.

The traditional species used for maple production in PA is the sugar maple, as its sap contains higher sugar content than other maple varieties. Sugar maple and black maple trees yield sap of similar quality, which is why they are often treated as one species.

Maple trees are tapped in early spring when daytime temperatures are above freezing. If you are just beginning with making maple syrup, note that fall is often the ideal time to start planning for the upcoming season and ensure all necessary equipment is on hand. Learn more about making your own syrup during the Getting Started in Maple Syrup workshop.

If considering setting up commercial production, remember to create a business plan and establish reasonable expectations of income and expenses well in advance. In addition, the syrup produced must conform with the national maple syrup grades and classification standards.

Collecting Maple Sap

Maple syrup is prepared from maple tree sap. On average, it takes 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of syrup and the quality of the finished product depends largely on the sap collection and handling methods. In general, maple sap can be collected by utilizing either traditional or tubing tapping systems.

Traditional maple tap systems are suited for areas with less than 100 trees and involve drilling a tree tap, tapping in a spile, and placing a bucket on the spile. If the site and conditions allow, aerial or ground tubing systems may be used to collect and transport the sap to the storage facility. Both ground and aerial systems can reduce labor and produce higher yields of cleaner maple sap.

On this page, find Penn State Extension’s resources on identifying maple trees, applying proper tapping procedures, and filtering the final product. Discover advice and tips on tubing system installation, maintenance, and sanitation. Information on adding an artificial vacuum to increase sap flow from aerial systems is available, as well.