How and when to collect birch sap in the Moscow region in 2021

Trees

To properly collect birch sap in the Moscow region in 2021, you need to follow a few simple rules and avoid damaging the trees. The collection period is short, so it's important to check whether the sap has begun to flow, and don't set up containers right away. Much depends on the tree's location, which greatly affects the quality of the sap and the ease of the work.

General rules

There are a number of recommendations that are region-specific and should always be followed. Failure to follow them can harm the tree. First of all, you need to decide in advance where to carry out the work. If it's the same location every year, try to rotate the plants so they rest and don't become constantly depleted. Remember the following:

Avoid unloading near highways, large industrial plants, or other environmentally unfriendly areas. Birch absorbs harmful substances and exhaust fumes, which accumulate in the wood and are released along with the liquid, which will no longer be beneficial but dangerous.
Avoid touching young trees. They are very sensitive to damage and take much longer to recover from. Growth slows, diseases often appear, and, in the worst case, the plant dies out partially or completely.
Seal all cuts and holes after finishing. This significantly speeds up healing and minimizes damage. The method chosen depends on how the sap was drained.
Don't pull too much sap from one tree. It's better to use multiple containers to quickly collect as much sap as needed without exhausting the plant.
Avoid making cuts that are too large or too deep. Try to damage the bark and wood as little as possible. Most of the liquid passes through the layer located directly under the bark; there's no point in cutting too deeply.
The juice flows best between 12 and 6 p.m. This is the recommended time to work.

Advice!

It's best to use a hand-held drill. If using a screwdriver, tape the drill bit as a guide to avoid drilling too deep.

When using a drill bit no larger than 12 mm in diameter, the hole heals almost completely. Avoid using drill bits that are too thick, as this increases the amount of sap, but makes it much more difficult for the tree to recover from damage. And don't cover the cuts with mud, as it won't stop the leakage and could introduce infection.

How to choose the optimal period

Sap collection dates aren't tied to specific dates and depend primarily on weather conditions. If the spring is cold, the period can shift significantly; in warmer seasons, sap flow usually begins after March 20-25. These dates should be used as a guide, but a number of other factors should also be taken into account:

The snow must completely melt. Usually, all the plants are still dormant before this point, so there's no point in checking the birches.
The average daily temperature must be above freezing, both day and night. As long as there's frost, the root system won't awaken.
The buds on the branches are swelling. This is the most accurate indicator, as this only happens when the sap reaches them.
To check, take a regular awl and find a birch tree with a diameter of 8 to 15 cm. Carefully puncture the bark and the upper part of the wood. When sap flow has begun, a drop will appear at the puncture site within a few seconds. If the fluid accumulates for a long time, it's best to wait a few more days.

In the Moscow region and central Moscow, the harvesting period typically lasts about four weeks. It ends after the leaves emerge. Most often, harvesting takes place from early April until almost the end of the month. If it's very warm outside, the harvesting period is reduced to three weeks, as the leaves emerge much earlier.

Which trees can be used to extract sap?

There are several tips for choosing specific plants. Avoid pruning every tree; it's best to leave young trees alone. Always inspect the trunk; if it shows many signs of use or poorly healed holes, it's better to choose other trees. Use the following guidelines:

Choose trunks at least 25 cm thick. If you don't have many of these, choose thinner options, but at least 20 cm.
Remember that the thicker and older the plant, the tastier its sap. Plus, these birches heal much better and are less likely to suffer from damage.
Choose high elevations. The juice there is much sweeter than in lowlands. Avoid swampy and flooded areas.
If the trunk is 20 to 25 cm thick, no more than one hole should be made. If the diameter is 25 to 35 cm, two holes are allowed. If the diameter is 35 to 40 cm, three holes are allowed, and if the diameter is 40 cm or more, four holes are allowed. However, it's best to limit yourself to one hole.

Pay attention to the birch tree's crown as well. It should be well-branched, without large, dead branches or significant damage. If there are signs of disease or the trunk is heavily covered in moss at the base, then it's also not worth draining the sap.

How to carry out the work correctly

There are various options, and the choice should be based on the tools available and the characteristics of the trees. Try to cause as little damage as possible, using only a sharp axe and a sharpened drill.

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Advice!

In rainy weather, it is better to cover the containers with pieces of film.

If you have a screwdriver or hand drill handy, use that option. Select a drill bit with a diameter of 10 to 14 mm. Both wood and metal bits are suitable. Follow these steps:

Carefully remove the bark from an area slightly larger than the drill bit. Use an axe or a sharp, wide-bladed knife.
Make a hole no more than one and a half centimeters deep. Hold the tool strictly vertical.
Secure the trough so it's not positioned on the bark. If sap leaks from the bark, it may turn yellow.
You can also use a drip hose. Then, drill a hole to fit the diameter of the hose, and then insert it tightly.

If you'll be collecting the juice once a day, it's best to use a 3- to 5-liter container to prevent spillage. However, it's best to collect it at least twice a day.

You can do it even easier and hang the bottles directly on the branches. You'll need pruning shears or a sharp, thick-bladed knife. To extract the sap:

Choose a branch slightly thinner than the neck of the bottle to make it easy to insert. It should extend slightly upward or horizontally from the thick shoot.
Make a diagonal or perpendicular cut. Place the bottle on top, allowing the juice to drain inside.
Tie the container with flexible wire or twine. Don't squeeze the branches, but secure them securely.

Typically, a 1.5-liter container will fill in 5-6 hours, or a little longer if the tree's sap flow isn't very intense. It's best to prepare the bottles in advance: tie them with wire to avoid having to do it on the tree.

Birch sap in the forest is much tastier and healthier than that found near roadsides and in populated areas. While collecting the sap, make sure you have materials to patch up any damage. Drilled holes are best sealed with wooden dowels, which are hammered tightly into place. If you used an axe, it's best to seal the surface with garden varnish or paint it with oil.