Birch Sap

[*Big Beast*]

what`s the best month for drawing off the sap, i`ve never tried it only seen Ray doing it on TV but i would like to try it. any advice please

 

[rancid badger]

I normally start trying the tree's around about the last week in March, though the actual start of the flow, can vary considerably.

a couple of years ago, the Forestry Commission, wanted me to do a tap, for a 'slot' on the BBC's 'springwatch' program, but the sap hadn't started flowing, when the film crew were available

hope this helps anyway

R.B.

 

[John Fenna]

Traditionally tapping is done when the buds are "the size of a mouses ear"...

 

[*Big Beast*]

thanks guys, i`ve got a rough idea now.

 

[forestwalker]

I generally tap the birches between the time the snow starts to melt and the time the first leaves appear.

 

[slammer187]

Another sort of tip is when the buds of a hazel tree are the size of a squirrels toe! It's a bit strange but sometime true!