silver birch tapping

[Wilderbeast]

I've a silver birch in my garden (I think......the type with the really peely bark that you can strip off!) Can I tap that for sap come spring??

 

[JonathanD]

Yes no problem as long as the diameter of the tree is more than 8 inches you should be able to put a decent tap into it. Anything smaller and I'd go with just a cut and gather less.

Keep an eye on the forum as it is the best place to learn of the sap rising around the country.

 

[Wilderbeast]

cheers jonathand!

 

[Ketchup]

When can we expect the sap run?

 

[JonathanD]

Within the next 6-8 weeks I'd guess, maybe sooner if the weather turns mild.

 

[Shewie]

I think it will be an early one this year as it`s been such a mild winter. I think we`re in for a short cold spell again over the next few weeks and then after that I think the buds will start to swell.

 

[Jumbalaya]

When can we expect the sap run?

General wisdom is that sap starts to run in March-ish period. What you are actually looking to tap into is the sap that helps push out the first flush of leaf growth so really you're better looking at the immediate seasonal change rather than a specific month. Once the leaves are out you're really too late to tap.

M