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How to Make Maple Syrup in Your Own Back Yard

Have you ever thought about making your own maple syrup? You don't need to build a sugar shack and buy a lot of equipment, to make a few quarts of syrup. It's easier than you might think, and fun for the whole family.

First things first, you have to find a sugar maple tree in your yard. It's easier to do in the summer, when you can identify the leaves, but this time of year, look at the buds. According to Henry Marckres of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, a sugar maple has pointy buds, and the bark is straight up and down and a bit curly.

And what if you tap a red maple, or some other kind of maple by accident? No problem, you will still get sap out of it, and still be able to make good syrup. But other types of maple tend to bud earlier, and you may have to pull the spout earlier.

Find a tree that is at least 12" in diameter, and in most trees, only put one tap. You won't get that much more syrup if you put two in. Find a good spot on the tree, where the bark isn't too thick. With the new type of spouts, which are smaller, you don't need as big of a drill, so you can use a cordless drill. Henry marks his drill bit about 1 1/2 to 2" down. You don't want to go farther than that, because you don't want to hurt the tree any worse. Drill the hole on an upward angle, to help the sap run out.

Drive the tap in by gently tapping it with a hammer, hang the bucket, and then wait for Mother Nature to give you some sap!

Gather it often, an average tap will produce 10 gallons of sap per year, which makes about 1 quart of syrup.