Bushcraft Uses for Tree Resin and Sap

Tree resin and sap are some of the most common and versatile resources you can find in the wild. They can be used on a wide range of things, from making torches to treating wounds or sealing gaps in crafted woodwork. There are many bushcraft uses for tree resin and sap, but be careful not to rely too heavily on them unless you have to, even though they can be used to seal cuts, it’s never a good idea to put something you found on a tree into an open wound.

1. Understanding Tree Resin and Sap

First, it’s essential to understand the difference between sap and resin

Sap is the fluid that circulates throughout a tree, carrying water, nutrients, and minerals from the roots to the branches and leaves. It’s typically clear or slightly milky and flows freely when a tree is cut or damaged.

Resin is thicker, sticky, and often golden or amber in color. It’s produced by certain types of trees, especially conifers like pines, spruces, and firs as a defense mechanism against injury or pests. Resin hardens quickly when exposed to air, creating a natural barrier.

While both sap and resin have bushcraft applications, resin is often prized for its durability, stickiness, and fire-starting capabilities, while sap can be used in first aid and food applications.

(Pine trees are one of the most abundant and common sources for resin)

2. Collecting Tree Resin and Sap

Identifying Suitable Trees:

Not all trees produce resin, but many trees in the pine family do. Look for trees with obvious wounds, oozing sap, or dried resin around the bark. Conifers like pine, spruce, fir, and cedar are excellent sources of resin.

How to Collect Tree Resin:

To collect resin, find a tree with an existing wound or damaged area where resin is already oozing out. Use a stick, knife, or other non-metallic tool to gently scrape the resin. Be mindful not to harm healthy trees unnecessarily—gather resin from naturally damaged areas when possible. Resin hardens quickly, so you might need to scrape or soften it with slight heat if you’re trying to collect larger quantities. When it’s dry enough, it will easily crumble away and pieces can be picked off by hand, though I’d recommend not touching it as it’s almost impossible to wash off.

Collecting Sap:

Maple, birch, and sycamore trees are good sources of sap. To harvest sap, carefully make a small incision into the bark or insert a small spile (a tap) to allow sap to drip out. Place a container below to catch the sap. Keep in mind that the sap flows best in spring when trees are actively transporting nutrients.

(Silver birch is the best type of tree for collecting sap when you don’t have access to maple)

3. Bushcraft Uses for Tree Resin and Sap
Fire Starting

Tree resin is one of the best natural fire starters, as it is highly flammable and burns for a long time. The resin’s composition includes volatile compounds that ignite easily, even in wet or cold conditions.

How to Use Resin as a Fire Starter:

Collect small pieces of hardened resin and place them in your tinder bundle. Resin burns with a steady, hot flame, making it ideal for starting fires with damp or less-than-ideal tinder. Pine resin works especially well and can be used to help ignite thicker pieces of wood or wet fuel. You can also combine resin with dry bark or pine needles for a quick and effective fire starter.

Waterproofing and Sealing:

Tree resin is naturally water-resistant and can be used to waterproof and seal various items in the wild. Once hardened, resin forms a strong, durable seal that can withstand moisture.

Waterproofing Small Items:

To waterproof small items, melt some resin over a fire and apply it as a coating to the item you want to protect. Resin can be used on leather pouches, footwear, or even makeshift shelters to prevent water seepage.

Repairing and Sealing Gear:

Resin can act as a glue for small repairs. For example, you can use resin to fill cracks in wooden containers or to repair cracks in pottery or other tools. Simply melt the resin, apply it to the crack, and let it harden. This can extend the life of your gear and help keep it functional.

First Aid and Wound Care:

Tree resin has antimicrobial properties, which makes it useful for treating minor wounds and preventing infection. It acts as a natural bandage, creating a protective layer over cuts or abrasions and promoting healing. This should only be used in an emergency situation, as anything found outside has the chance of containing harmful bacteria.

Using Resin as a Wound Sealant:

To use resin for wound care, apply a small amount of softened or melted resin over a clean wound. The resin will harden into a barrier that keeps dirt and bacteria out. However, only use this method for minor cuts and scratches, and avoid placing resin on deep wounds or sensitive skin.

Sap for Soothing Irritations:

Unlike resin, certain types of sap (such as birch or maple sap) can be used as a soothing agent for minor skin irritations. For example, fresh birch sap can relieve itching or act as a mild antiseptic wash.

Making Torches and Lamps

Tree resin burns with a bright, steady flame, making it ideal for crafting torches or lamps in the wilderness. By combining resin with suitable materials, you can create an effective light source.

How to Make a Resin Torch:

Wrap a piece of cloth around a sturdy stick, and then coat it with melted resin. Once the resin hardens, light the cloth, and the resin will help sustain the flame. Pine resin is especially effective for making long-burning torches.

Creating a Resin Lamp:

Collect a small, shallow container (such as a shell or a hollowed-out stone) and fill it with resin. Insert a small wick or piece of cloth, light the wick, and the resin will keep the flame burning for some time.

Crafting Adhesives

Resin is sticky and durable, which makes it an excellent natural adhesive. By mixing resin with charcoal or powdered bark, you can create a strong glue that works well for binding materials.

Making Resin Glue:

Melt resin over a fire and add finely ground charcoal to thicken it. Stir the mixture until it reaches a paste-like consistency. This glue can be used to affix arrowheads to shafts, attach feathers to arrows, or repair broken tools. It’s a versatile and essential resource for bushcraft repairs and toolmaking.

Food Source

While not all sap is edible, some types, like maple and birch sap, can be consumed and are a good source of sugars and minerals. In a survival situation, sap can provide a quick energy boost.

Harvesting Edible Sap:

Birch and maple trees are safe to tap for edible sap. Maple sap can be boiled down into syrup, which is both nutritious and easy to store. If you’re in need of hydration and sugar, fresh sap can also be consumed directly, although it should be boiled if there are any contamination concerns.

Making Chewing Gum

Tree resin can be chewed as a natural gum, providing a useful distraction and even helping with minor oral health. Resin chewing gum was widely used by indigenous cultures, especially pine and spruce resin.

How to Make Resin Chewing Gum:

Collect fresh resin and let it harden slightly before chewing. Be cautious when chewing resin for the first time, as it can be quite sticky. This natural gum can help relieve thirst, freshen breath, and even clean teeth to some extent, though it doesn’t taste great.