Can You Tap Any Maple Tree in Rochester for Syrup?

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If you've got maple trees on your property, right now is the PERFECT time to tap your trees and let the delicious goodness pour out so you can turn it into 100% pure maple syrup. If you are thinking that you can just tap some random trees in Rochester in a public space, think again.

The Park and Recreation Department for the City of Rochester shared the following reminder on their Facebook page:

It is against city code to affix a tap on a public property tree.
Rochester Code of Ordinances (Sec 9-16-8)
Many of our boulevard/urban trees have outside stressors they would not have in a wooded area. We do not allow tapping to help ensure the tree are not damaged or stressed any further.
Do not drill holes or affix any structure to our public trees.

In other words, don't do it.

AnikaSalsera GettyImages

Did you know that you can tap more than just maple trees to make syrup? According to growforagecookferment.com, there are several trees that you can drill to tap including:

All types of maple. Sugar maples are the best.
Birch
Black Walnut
Sycamore
Ironwood/Hop Hornbeam

Have you ever gone through the process of making syrup? If you've got any tips, I'd love to hear about them. You can find all of my contact info here. We've got a few acres and lots of trees and at some point, this will be an adventure for our family.

Anest GettyImages

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