Harvesting Birch Sap

[demented dale]

I will be changing the way I tap Birch trees after watching this video. Please comment and discuss.

 

[demented dale]

Its getting near the time to tap birch trees and I want to re post this. I've looked into it and the method in the video is an equally productive and less damaging method of harvesting. This is how I will be doing it this year. Please watch.

 

[Pattree]

At this time of year I can be seen as a real tree hugger. I love listening to the sap running up the trees.

Birch sap wine is dangerous. A friend who was given some reported that there were two marks on his kitchen ceiling: one where the cork had hit it and one where he had hit it after taking a swig.

 

[Woody girl]

I've heard of this method. It may be a bit slower, I had no idea of the possible damage, being so bad. we are always told, done responsibly, it wont damage the tree, so thank you for posting this. I keep meaning to tap birch, but never get round to it... thank goodness I've hurt no trees so far!

 

[Kadushu]

You can sterilise your cutting tool with alcohol ;-)

 

[demented dale]

You can sterilise your cutting tool with alcohol ;-)

I read that but I also read that that method is no without its problems. From what I can gather from my research the video is good practice and I read several sources that said the yield was not significantly less than tapping the trunk. I will try the new method this year and I will post my experiences. x .

 

[SoldierPalmer]

The technique I have used in the past. I use the tip of my knife and lift a small section of bark. Just enough to fit a small twig under it. The sap drips off the twig into a bottle tied underneath. Once I’m finished I remove the twig and push the bark back down for a few seconds. The sap sticks it back together.

 

[demented dale]

The technique I have used in the past. I use the tip of my knife and lift a small section of bark. Just enough to fit a small twig under it. The sap drips off the twig into a bottle tied underneath. Once I’m finished I remove the twig and push the bark back down for a few seconds. The sap sticks it back together.

Do you get a decent amount with that very interesting technique? x

 

[SoldierPalmer]

Yes. I used to fill a few bottles between a couple of trees. I think the flow rate will be similar to any other technique as it’s the only area the sap is going to be coming out.

 

[demented dale]

Yes. I used to fill a few bottles between a couple of trees. I think the flow rate will be similar to any other technique as it’s the only area the sap is going to be coming out.

so the sap runs without having to put drill or pierce the trunk itself? x

 

[SoldierPalmer]

You’ve got to break through the cambium layer under the bark. And the sap will travel up and out of the pierced area.

 

[demented dale]

You’ve got to break through the cambium layer under the bark. And the sap will travel up and out of the pierced area.

yes. i am clear now, thanks . ive seen it done with just a knife also and the sap runs down the blade x