From Seedling to Sapling to Sugar Maker

The maple tree grows about 1 foot per year for the first 30 to 40 years of life. The following chart shows the classification of a maple tree as it grows:

A sugar maple is ready to be tapped once the diameter reaches 10-12 inches. (Circumference = π × diameter. Therefore, the circumference should be at least 31.4 inches.)


Maple Fractals

Sap's Runnin'! Time to go Sugarin'!

The sap in a maple tree starts flowing up and down the tree when nights are freezing (below 32°F or 0°C) and days are consistently warm (around 40°F or 4.4°C). A bigger swing in temperature usually leads to a better sap run. In Vermont, the sap usually starts running around the time of Town Meeting Day. A good Sugarer analyzes the weather reports and forecasts to decide when to tap the trees.

Buckets or Tubing?

Is It Syrup Yet?

Maple sugarers need to be aware of several measurements when making syrup: 

When all these requirements are met, a sugarer knows they have syrup! Don't forget to filter the niter out...

A hydrometer is used to measure the density of liquids.






If It Isn't Syrup It Might Be... 

If It Isn't Syrup It Might Be.....

Burnt? Or it could be one of these other maple treats:

Is it the Grade A Fancy Kind?

Ain't Nothin' Like the Real Thing

If it's not pure maple syrup, you might as well be tapping telephone poles....An analysis of this data shows that maple-flavored syrups have little to no maple syrup content. These imitation syrups are much less expensive than pure maple syrup.


How Much Is This Going to Cost Me?

How Much is This Going to Cost Me?

The following is a chart listing the average price of maple syrup in Vermont in 2008 based on the amount purchased. These are the retail prices you may encounter at the store: 

                                                                       www.usda.gov

The following graph of the average price of maple sryrup based on the amount purchased indicates that there is nearly a linear relationship between price and volume.  

This graph shows that purchasing more maple syrup at once saves the consumer money.

Who Wins the Maple Syrup Production Race? 

Who Wins the Maple Syrup Production Race?

Quebec is the winner with 5,337,000 gallons of maple syrup produced in 2008. The chart below shows how much syrup was produced by other states and provinces in 2008: 

                                                                                           www.usda.gov

It is easier to interpret the date by making pie graphs. As you can see, Vermont produces the most syrup in the United States (38%): 

Canada produced 76% of all maple syrup in 2008!

Conclusion: The Math of Maple Syrup