Low Impact Harvesting

We believe that the method of harvesting is as equally important as how it’s produced. If we don’t treat the trees, our harvest, with respect and view them as a sustainable, renewable part of our operation, then we don’t have an operation at all.

Back in 2004 we began to experiment with stainless steel micro spiles. These are the smallest spiles ever produced for taping trees and as far as we are concerned, the best and safest way to acquire the sap from the maple tree. Not everyone agrees because when you use these spiles, they are tedious and must be cleaned properly after usage to ensure they are completely sterile for re-taping. But, we think the extra effort is worth it.

The micro spile is a great innovation in the maple industry, allowing for less damage to the trees we tap every year. We have trees that have been taped for over 100 years in our operation, and without them, we wouldn’t have the sap to make maple syrup. Because these spiles are made of stainless steel, we can clean them and completely get rid of the bio-film that coats them during maple season rendering them sterile for re-use. And, we don’t fill up the landfills with more plastic, as 95% of the spiles produced today are made of plastic and must be thrown out after 3 seasons, or if you are using the new check valves from Leader, you only get one season out of them.

The bio-film we are referring to is a clotting agent the tree produces to protect itself and help clot the hole that was drilled to collect the sap. This bio-film is very difficult to get rid of; regular boiling, soap and even bleach doesn’t touch it. And it adheres to plastic in such a way that it can never be removed. That’s why stainless steel is so nice; it can be ultrasonically cleaned to get rid of all traces of the bio-film. After every sap season we get out our little ultrasonic cleaner and run batch after batch of the spiles through, and then we bake them in the oven to make sure they are dry and ready for the next season. We also clean the spiles for other producers who also use stainless steel spiles.

We use the micro spiles with a vacuum system and the trees produce as much if not more sap than the conventional 5/16 or 7/16 spiles. Also, because the hole we drill is so much smaller and not nearly as deep, the holes heal in a fraction of the time allowing the trees to thrive. The micro spiles are only 9/64 in diameter and we drill about an inch to inch and a half into the tree to tap them in. Compare that to a 5/16 spile with a hole approximately 3 inches deep. The larger hole may take up to 1-3 years to heal as compared to 3-4 months healing time with the micro spile.

We have many customers with hobby or small operations who use the micro spiles with their buckets and drop lines and have terrific success.

We currently do not have any micro spiles for sale. However, we are in the process of designing and developing a new micro spile and will have that info and the spiles available as soon as possible (care to invest?).

Interestingly enough, numerous teaching institutions and hobby producers have come on board with the micro spile technology and love it! If you would like to see a demonstration and read info regarding a school in Massachusetts, please click on the link below. Click Here For More Info   Enjoy!

If you are interested in this technology or would like to invest in these spiles from us, please give us a call 866-291-8100 or Email Us and we'd be glad to help.