Address: 157 Bear Cub Ln, Lake Placid, NY 12946-3114
Attraction Location
Uihlein Sugar Maple Research & Extension Field Station Videos
Identifying a Maple Tree
Late March marks the beginning of the sugar maple season in the Northeast United States. Freezing nightly temperatures followed by a daily thaw causes the rise and fall of sap within the cambium of maple trees. During the daily thaw, sap that was pulled up within the tree falls with gravity. By tapping the tree, a syrup producer is able to collect the sap that is released through the tap via pressure.Cornell University's Director of the Uihlein Forest, Mike Farrell describes the characteristics of a maple tree. Opposite branches and thick, course gray bark are the best ways to identify a maple in the winter. He reviews previous tap holes which should be avoided when tapping each year. Spacing the tap holes out along the tree ensures that you will get the most sap flow out of the tree.