Sugarbushes thrive when they are managed with care. We bring a nuanced understanding of forest dynamics to help maple producers grow healthier, more resilient stands that support long-term sap production. From tap inventories and tubing layouts to disease risk reduction and regeneration planning, our silviculture is designed to sustain both yields and forest health for the next generation of sugarmakers.
Tailored Management Planning
Our comprehensive forest management planning is grounded in conscientious silviculture and adapted to the unique conditions of each sugarbush. By controlling stand density, reducing disease and damage risks, promoting vigorous trees, and addressing barriers to regeneration, we help producers maintain sugarbushes that are resilient, productive, and built for the long term.
Data-Driven Decision Making
We conduct detailed tap inventories and terrain analyses to give producers the information they need for effective decisions. These assessments support better tubing layouts, more accurate yield predictions, and a clear picture of where to prioritize sugarbush expansion.
Collaborative Research and Education
Modern vacuum pumps and tubing systems have transformed maple syrup production, but guidance on managing forests for sap has often lagged behind. To close that gap, we have partnered with researchers, foresters, and producers through the USDA Acer Program. Together we are:
Filling Research Gaps — Advancing silvicultural studies so foresters can make more effective management decisions.
Consolidating Knowledge — Creating a comprehensive Handbook of Sugarbush Silviculture to serve as a definitive resource.
Sharing Learning — Offering workshops and trainings that connect foresters and producers around best practices.
Regulatory Compliance
We are familiar with Vermont’s Use Value Appraisal program, New York’s 480a program, and other regional regulations, and can help ensure compliance. We also enroll sugarbushes in Audubon’s Bird Friendly Maple Program and in the American Tree Farm System, connecting maple producers with initiatives that support both economic and ecological goals.
Our work in maple management reflects the same values we bring to every aspect of forestry: nuance, rigor, and respect for the woods. By applying those principles to sugarbushes, we help producers safeguard the long-term health of their forests while strengthening one of the region’s most iconic traditions.