The Science of Sap

Ever wondered what exactly sap is, why trees have it, or why we tap maples to collect it and make maple syrup? Tune in to have your questions answered in this microclass! And if you just can't get enough of the maple-y goodness this time of year (we totally get it!), check out our upcoming in-person and virtual maple programs and events at www.grassriver.org/classes-an...

[@peterthehappywaiguoren]

Wow that is really interesting. Thanks for the explanation!

[@Aunteakeys]

This was so informative and easy to understand thank you for your explanation and giving understanding to a miracle process that gives us such delicious syrup

[@MRBABAR]

This was so well done! Thank you so much from a newbie maple sap robber from northern NJ!

[@grassrivernaturalarea2475]

You're welcome!

[@n8vmilk]

Hello, I was curious about the potential affects to the trees if we tap during a warm winter, what with low water availability and a short freezing season

[@elizabethdean2532]

Thanks! I had never understood this before!

[@LGTrees]

Good explanation- would have been good to mention the modern day vacuum system nullifies the need for the freeze/thaw cycle. My question- that no one seems to want have an answer- If there is no hole in the tree or freshly broken branch, does the sap move at all during “sugaring season”? Seems if it does, it would be raining sap in the woods because there’s not leaves to transpire the moisture. My thinking is - no, it’s just sitting there in the tree until the leaves bud out. Then there’s movement of sap within the tree. Thoughts?

[@lobster5782]

Thank you for this explanation, I was looking into refreshing the basics. However, the 'air bubble theory' has been disproven. Although it has an influence, the major mechanism is called the osmotic theory. See Cirelli et al. (2008) - Toward an improved model of maple sap exudation: the location and role of osmotic barriers in sugar maple, butternut and white birch

[@chrisdavis273]

Very informative and well explained. Smart and cute 😅

[@UVMProctorMapleResearchCenter]

Good explanation. One quick clarification. When you say "xylem" in the video, most of the time you are referring to vessels, one of the three types of xylem cells (fibers, rays, vessels). Otherwise, a fairly good explanation.

[@grassrivernaturalarea2475]

Thanks for the clarification! That makes sense!

[@AMB_REELZ]

Tree doctor 👩‍⚕️

[@AMB_REELZ]

Stop yelling at me