MAPLE TAPPING IN UTAH—INITIAL RESULTS FROM SMALL-SCALE DEMONSTRATIONS AND WORKSHOP TURNOUT
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Wesley Crump
Extension Assistant Professor
Utah State University
Heber City
Abstract
Regional maple tapping can contribute to a more stable and sustainable maple syrup industry, as well as supply for local maple syrup needs. In Wasatch County (Utah), two native maples—Bigtooth and Boxelder maples (Acer grandidentatum and Acer negundo, respectively) grow readily in both rural and suburban landscapes and are prime tapping candidates for residents. As part of a broader research initiative by USU investigating the viability of maple tapping in Utah, four workshops were held in Wasatch County educating community members about the tapping and syrup making processes. In addition, 20 Boxelder trees were tapped in Wasatch Mountain State Park using a bucket (n = 10) or a 3/16” tubing system (n=10) in 2024. A total of 137 participants attended at least one of the four workshops. The Boxelders using a bucket and spile for collection produced an average of 4.87 gallons per tap of sap, while the tubing system only produced 1.24 gallons per tap (12.38 gallons total) of sap. The low volume of sap collected from the tubing system was likely due to improper spile sealing and lack of vacuum. Comparatively, USU research in Woodland Hills, Utah, during the 2023 season conducted on Bigtooth maples resulted in an average of 3.81 gal/tap using buckets and 3.43 gal/tap using tubing systems. The tubing system resulted in 4.22 gal/tap in 2024. Results from the 2025 season demonstrations, further instruction on tubing system design, and additional beginner tapping education are planned for 2025.
Authors: Wesley Crump, Steven Price
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Wesley Crump Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84032
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Steven Price Extension Associate Professor, Utah State University Extension, Utah, 84501