1-28-2026 8:42pm

Tree Tapping Basics at Kingswood Park

Beth Callahan Editor

DEERFIELD TWP, WARREN COUNTY, OH -- This Saturday come learn the art of tree tapping at Kingswood Park Activity Center. Tree tapping is the practice of extracting sap from certain trees for use in food, industry, or research. The most well-known example is maple tree tapping for the production of maple syrup, but other trees—such as birch, walnut, and rubber trees—are also tapped for their sap or latex. When done correctly, tree tapping does not significantly harm the tree and can be repeated year after year.

The process involves drilling a small hole into the trunk of a mature tree and inserting a spout, also called a tap or spile. Sap naturally flows from the hole due to pressure changes inside the tree, especially during seasonal temperature shifts. In maple trees, sap flow is strongest in late winter and early spring, when freezing nights are followed by warmer days. The sap is collected in buckets or tubing systems and later processed.

Tree tapping has a long history. Indigenous peoples in northeastern North America were tapping maple trees centuries before European settlers arrived, using stone tools to make cuts and collecting sap in bark containers. European colonists later adopted and refined the practice, introducing metal spouts and larger-scale boiling operations.

Proper tapping practices are essential for tree health. Only healthy, mature trees above a certain diameter are tapped, and the holes are kept small and shallow. Trees naturally heal the tap holes over time, sealing them with new growth. Modern guidelines limit the number of taps per tree to prevent stress or long-term damage.

The Tree Tapping class at The Kingswood Park Activity Center is a joint activity with Warren County Parks District and Deerfield Township. It will be teaching all about maple sugaring!

While the event is FREE and all ages are welcome, please register at: https://deerfieldoh.myrec.com/info/activities/program_details.aspx?ProgramID=30201

Kingswood Park Activity Center located at 4188 Irwin Simpson Rd, Mason, OH 45040 is heated. During the hour long class that starts at 10 AM, attendees will learn what basic supplies are needed to tap your own trees (hint: it's not a lot!) and the simple process of how to turn maple sap into REAL maple syrup!