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[keith bellinger <bartermn AT epix.net>]

Here's a good botanical explanation of why you probably won't be able to 
use your Lost Maples (from http://maple.dnr.cornell.edu/FAQ.htm):

During warm periods when temperatures rise above freezing, pressure 
develops in the tree. This pressure causes the sap to flow out of the 
tree through a wound or tap hole. During cooler periods when 
temperatures fall below freezing, suction develops, drawing water into 
the tree. This replenishes the sap in the tree, allowing it to flow 
again during the next warm period.

Sap flows through a portion of the outer tree trunk called sapwood. 
Sapwood consists of actively growing cells that conduct water and 
nutrients (sap) from the roots to the branches of the tree. During the 
day, activity in the cells of sapwood produces carbon dioxide. This 
carbon dioxide is released to the intercellular spaces in the sapwood. 
In addition, carbon dioxide that was dissolved in the cool sap is 
released into the spaces between the cells. Both of these sources of 
carbon dioxide cause pressure to build up in the cells. A third source 
of pressure is called osmotic pressure, which is caused by the presence 
of sugar and other substances dissolved in the sap. When the tree is 
wounded, as when it is tapped by a maple producer, the pressure forces 
the sap out of the tree. At night or during other times when 
temperatures go below freezing, the carbon dioxide cools and therefore 
contracts. Some of the carbon dioxide also becomes dissolved in the 
cooled sap. Finally, some of the sap freezes. All three of these factors 
create suction in the tree. This causes water from the soil to be drawn 
up into the roots and travel up through the sapwood. When temperatures 
rise above freezing the next day, sap flow begins again.


eureka AT hctc.net wrote:

> We actually have a small vestige of native Big Tooth 
> Maples left in our canyon from glacial days that give us 
> some occasional fall color. I'm sure they look like mere 
> shrubs compared to what you have up north. The majority 
> are in a state park aptly named "Lost Maples" but I have a 
> large one right outside my kitchen door. I've often 
> wondered if I could tap it to make syrup--can anyone tell 
> me if our relatively temperate weather here would hinder 
> the collection of enough sap to make syrup?
>
> --Sage
> Way Out in Texas
>