Q: How big does a tree need to be to tap it for maple syrup?
It should be more than 11" in diameter for a single tap; trees over 18" can support two taps, and those over 25" can take three.
Cover helps shield bucket contents from bugs and debris.
A springtime tradition in many households, harvesting sap from the maple trees in your yard to make maple syrup can be a captivating activity for the entire family. To help you get started with tapping trees and collecting sap, this easy-to-use kit contains enough spiles, buckets and covers for three taps.
Healthy trees should be more than 11" in diameter for a single tap. To sustain two taps, trees ought to be more than 18" in diameter, and for three taps, greater than 25" in diameter.
Each spile allows the sap to flow from the tree to a bucket suspended beneath the spout. The translucent bucket lets you see the sap level inside from a distance, and the cover helps shield the contents from dirt, debris and insects. To tap the tree, drill a 5/16" diameter, 1 1/2" deep hole angled upward at chest height, tap in the spile, hang the bucket and install the cover.
Besides the stainless-steel rod that serves as the cover’s hinge, all components are made of easy-to-clean impact-resistant polypropylene. The nine-piece kit contains three each of 5/16" spiles, 2-gallon (7.5 litre) stackable buckets and protective covers. Instructions included.
A great way to get outdoors and catch the excitement of early spring.
It should be more than 11" in diameter for a single tap; trees over 18" can support two taps, and those over 25" can take three.
The translucent buckets let you check the sap level from a distance, so you can empty them once they're getting full without removing the cover to look.
It contains three 5/16" spiles, three 2-gallon stackable buckets, three covers and printed instructions, enough gear for three taps in a season.
Yes, the three spiles and buckets can be split across up to three separate trees that are each large enough for at least one tap, rather than using them all on a single tree.
Sap runs best in early spring when nights are still below freezing (down to -10°) but days warm above freezing (up to 10°), typically from late February through March in most northern climates.
| Materials | Impact-resistant polypropylene; stainless-steel cover hinge |
| Dimensions | 5/16" spile diameter |
| Package Quantity | 1 kit |
| Compatibility Dimensions | Fits trees more than 11" in diameter (one tap), 18" (two taps) or 25" (three taps) |
| Includes | Spiles; buckets; covers; printed instructions |
| Capacity | 2 gal. (7.5 L) per bucket |
| Color/Finish | Translucent blue |
| Warranty | Lee Valley Satisfaction Guarantee |
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Maple Syrup Starter Kit
A springtime tradition in many households, harvesting sap from the maple trees in your yard to make maple syrup can be a captivating activity for the entire family. To help you get started with tapping trees and collecting sap, this easy-to-use kit contains enough spiles, buckets and covers for three taps.
Healthy trees should be more than 11" in diameter for a single tap. To sustain two taps, trees ought to be more than 18" in diameter, and for three taps, greater than 25" in diameter.
Each spile allows the sap to flow from the tree to a bucket suspended beneath the spout. The translucent bucket lets you see the sap level inside from a distance, and the cover helps shield the contents from dirt, debris and insects. To tap the tree, drill a 5/16" diameter, 1 1/2" deep hole angled upward at chest height, tap in the spile, hang the bucket and install the cover.
Besides the stainless-steel rod that serves as the cover’s hinge, all components are made of easy-to-clean impact-resistant polypropylene. The nine-piece kit contains three each of 5/16" spiles, 2-gallon (7.5 litre) stackable buckets and protective covers. Instructions included.
A great way to get outdoors and catch the excitement of early spring.
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