Maple tapping on multiple properties

primal1 · #1 03/14/13, 07:55 AM

Question for you guys, there are a lot of small properties around here and maple trees that don't get tapped. It was suggested that I approach these property owners and make a deal to tap.
Originally I thought this would be way too labor intensive but not knowing the industry and what equipment is out there maybe i am just over looking the possibility?

If I collect from say 5 small properties, and lets say i can't afford a reverse osmosis system for each... is there a reverse osmosis system that can be used after the sap is collected?
Can i sell the sap and not have to deal with boiling it down?
Is this an untapped niche that could produce income?

Chixarecute · #2 03/14/13, 04:44 PM

You can certainly haul your sap to a central point and run it through the RO, my BIL is considering it. He plans to mount it just before his evaporator. However my understanding is that the RO units are pricey, and you'd want to have 1,000 trees (or is it taps?) to justify the expense of one, it would still take several years to pay off on your investment. You'd probably want to boil it down yourself and bottle it to maximize your profit. There are places in WI that buy sap, but none close enough to make it worthwhile.

NorthCountryWd · #3 03/14/13, 07:30 PM

Several locals around here sell their sap in bulk to sugarhouses. Not sure what the going rate is. Check MapleTrader.com.

primal1 · #4 03/14/13, 08:00 PM

Yes the costs of setup are crazy, especially if you don't have your own sugar bush! I checked out Mapletrader, lots of good info there thanks.
I will check with a neighbor who boils to see if he maybe interested in buying IF i were able to get something going.
Thanks for the input!

7thswan · #5 03/15/13, 08:25 AM

Saw one craigslist add : for sale, 1 gallon maple sap 1 dollar, 10 gal. minium.

primal1 · #6 03/15/13, 10:18 AM

Thats a really good price for income! Most of what i saw being sold(here in Quebec i think) .25-.50/gal. depending on sugar content.
But recently my parents ask me for some pure sap! I tapped their silver maple for them and they have gallons in the freezer... they just want it to drink like water! Perhaps there is a growing market for pure sap and if thats the case priced could go higher even... I think i will check into that more

.. thanks 7thswan!

7thswan · #7 03/15/13, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by primal1

Thats a really good price for income! Most of what i saw being sold(here in Quebec i think) .25-.50/gal. depending on sugar content.
But recently my parents ask me for some pure sap! I tapped their silver maple for them and they have gallons in the freezer... they just want it to drink like water! Perhaps there is a growing market for pure sap and if thats the case priced could go higher even... I think i will check into that more

.. thanks 7thswan!

There is quite a market for Birch tree sap.Don't know much about it,but did hear that folks in places like Russia buy it as a "spring" tonic. I guess they can even buy it comercialy produced.

primal1 · #8 03/15/13, 04:01 PM

I tapped some birch trees years ago, it made a different type of syrup but it was really good on buckwheat pancakes

. Thanks for reminding me about it.. think i like this idea

**highlands** · #9 03/15/13, 05:24 PM

This is commonly done. Usually some amount of syrup is offered in return for the use of the trees. Be careful not to tap trees that might be good for lumber as tapping injures the trees.

NorthCountryWd · #10 03/26/13, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7thswan

There is quite a market for Birch tree sap.Don't know much about it,but did hear that folks in places like Russia buy it as a "spring" tonic. I guess they can even buy it comercialy produced.

Also takes 100 gallons of birch sap to produce 1 gallon of syrup (Maple is around 40 to 1). A friends family in Alaska used to make birch candy with it and sell it for like $50 a pound. It was good stuff tho.