Making Maple Syrup
This page features information tailored for beginning maple syrup producers, although established producers may find value as well. Last updated – Jan. 2025
Step-by-Step Guide to Make Your Own Maple Syrup
These resources provide step-by-step assistance for anyone interested in making maple syrup.
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Basic Equipment Needs
Maple Tree Identification
Choosing Which Trees to Tap
How to Tap Maple Trees
Maple Sap Flow and Collection
Turning Maple Sap into Syrup
Filtering and Bottling Maple Syrup
Maple Syrup Production
This 10 min. video from the Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producer’s Association (WMSPA) provides an introduction to the process and equipment required to make maple syrup.
Learn more about the WMSPA at wismaple.org
Wisconsin Maple Syrup
The Maple Syrup Process
From Tree to Table
This 1 hour presentation, by UW-Madison Extension Natural Resources Educator Bill Klase, walks through the basics of making maple syrup, from tree to table.
Learn more about the Extension Forestry program at woodlandinfo.org
Ready to take your maple knowledge to the next level?
Since 1958 the North American Maple Syrup Producers Manual has served as a basic reference source for the production of pure maple products. This 2022 edition provides up-to-date, science-based information and recommendations relating to all aspects of the industry. The guidelines presented will help users ranging from the hobby and beginning producer level to those well-established in the industry. In addition, the information herein will benefit foresters, land managers, Extension and outreach personnel, and others aiming to provide assistance to those in the maple industry.
This publication is also available in print, at www.mapleresearch.org/ordermanual or Download resource here.
Additional Resources
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Getting Ready for Sugaring Season (48 min)
End of Sugaring Season Clean-up
Energy Considerations
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Other internal resource pages
Check out our ‘Sugarbush Forestry’ page for resources about managing your sugarbush for health and resiliency to ensure consistent sap production now and into the future.
If you’re interested in turning your passion for maple syrup into a business, our ‘Selling Maple Products’ page has some great resources to get you started.
Other helpful links
Many other organizations and state Extension programs have good information on maple syrup production. Here are a few that we recommend:
- Wisconsin Maple Syrup Producers Association, including A Beginner’s Guide
- University of New Hampshire Beginner Maple Syrup Producer Tips
- University of Vermont Extension Maple Program
- Cornell Maple Program
- University of Maine Cooperative Extension Maple Syrup Production
- Penn State Extension Maple Syrup
- North American Maple Syrup Council – MapleResearch.org
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