When do trees produce most sap?

[Colin_M]

I'm only asking because I have a recipe for making wine from Silver Birch sap and a friend has just offered me use of his tree.

The recipe suggests drawing the sap in March (which presumably ties in with sap rising in the Spring).

Does anyone know if it would harm the tree to try it now, in the summer? I guess that there's also the chance that less would be produced too. Probably also a good idea to wait for the really hot weather to change too.

The trees in our drive are certainly producing a fair bit of sap because the aphid drips are making a right mess of our car at the moment!

Any ideas on this gratefully received!

[Maninaskirt]

I can't help you directly, but useful background reading is 'maple syrup' in Wikipedia

[FelixLeiter]

March is the best time for getting a rapid flow of sap. Later in the year it gets thicker and doesn't run well. Later still, it starts getting starchy,

[Johnboy]

Hi Colin,
Back in the dim and distant past when I was posted to Germany (mid 50's)
they used to tap the Birch trees right up until there was leaf cover (just) and then ceased. They made their wine from then on. And from sad memory it is bloody lethal!
JB.

[Colin_M]

Hi Colin,
Back in the dim and distant past when I was posted to Germany (mid 50's)
...And from sad memory it is bloody lethal!
JB.

So did the firewater make your memory dim and distant, or is is it just the passage of time??!

Actually, you can buy Silver Birch wine from several shops round our way (£7-10 per bottle) and it's quite pleasant. Having tried making the usual ones like elderberry, etc I fancied trying something new.

Thank you to the rest of you for your advice. I can't help feeling this is probably about as late in the season that it's possible to tap the trees effectively (especially given the very hot & dry conditions currently).

[MrsL]

Too late to tap any tree for sap now. Mid- late March is the time, but a movable feast according to weather, conditions, etc.
You can also tap maple and sycamore for wine making.
I've planted a sugar maple, hope I'm around long enough to make use of it!

[sally wright]

Dear Mrs L,
the speed those sugar maples grow I reckon you will be!
Regards Sally Wright

[PLUMPUDDING]

My son made some from Silver Birch sap a few years ago and also tapped it in early Spring when the sap was rising. The tree was fine and the wine was lovely. You should have a go next year.

[Colin_M]

My son made some from Silver Birch sap a few years ago. The tree was fine and the wine was lovely.

That's great to hear PP! Especially your two comments above - the most important things.

I have a recipe & extraction method I can use (and am happy to provide details in the Readers Recipe section if anyone would like them). In the meatime, if your son has any tips on what he did, I'd be interested to know of them.