While sugar maples grow on a variety of soils and sites, less healthy trees can be expected on less favorable sites. Once a stand starts to decline, it is difficult for overstory trees to recover. Tapping Guidelines 1 New Hampshire's maple trees went into dormancy in very good health with large reserves of stored food. Since each stand is different, site quality is an important factor, and an on-site assessment by a forester may be crucial to protecting your investment. The following guidelines for tapping individual trees is based upon on the per cent of crown loss due to the ice storm.
Trees are at risk.
Seek professional advice. May not want to tap. Seek professional advice.