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What Makes the Sap "Run"
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 During the spring, as part of the sugar maple trees bud formation process, sap rises from the roots of the trees to the branches . The weather conditions are critical for this process as the sap only "RUNS or RISES" when we experience freezing nights followed by warm days.
This process of the sap "Running" happens when the drastic change in temperature creates a higher OSMOTIC PRESSURE inside the tree than the outside ATMOSPHERIC PRESSURE. (How's that for some big words!) Because the New Hampshire weather doesn't always cooperate, we employ the use of a vacuum system to aid the flow of sap. Our vacuum system is specially designed not to take an adverse amount of sap. It's purpose is to simply help lower the atmospheric pressure at each tap hole, even when we aren't fortunate enough to have a freezing night!
The vacuum pump in each tap is attached to an "Extractor", a vessel that holds a vacuum and receives the sap. Attached to the extractors are the system "Mainlines". The mainlines carry the vacuum from tree to tree. This vacuum system keeps the sap moving which lessens the chance for bacteria growth and therefore produces the highest quality product possible. For a vacuum system to be effective, the tubing must be airtight. Colin and Team Maple know this all too well! It takes months to inspect & mend our lines. Everything from fallen tree limbs to bear, deer, and squirrels bites have to be repaired by hand. During the sap run itself, the Team constantly cruise the lines on the lookout for any holes or leaks.
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