[raybbr]

Based on the observation that one of the mature trees in the study that was missing most of its top was still yielding high volumes of sap, they hypothesized that the maples were possibly drawing moisture from the soil and not the crown. Previously, they had presumed that the sap dripping from tap holes was coming from the upper portion of the tree. But, if the tree was missing most of its crown then, they surmised, it must be drawing moisture from the roots.

Good grief! Anyone who's cut down a maple or birch in the Spring will see sap pouring out of the stump! Not much of a revelation.

[Salamander]

Sap *rises* in the spring.

Isn’t that common knowledge?