Drilling taps & drying out?

[Etown Maple Syrup]

This is my first season tapping red maples at 130ish taps (some tube some buckets). I am really focused on the extended weather forecast this year and want to start when the temps are right. Accuweather says I should begin Jan 26 in my area of Elizabethtown, Pa 17022. If I tap with 7/16" drill bit, and sap runs, then four days later sap stops running for a while, will the holes dry out? Do I need to redrill? Am I just having the first time jitters? Thanks All!

[DrTimPerkins]

If I tap with 7/16" drill bit, and sap runs, then four days later sap stops running for a while, will the holes dry out?

Not for a long time.....many weeks at least.


Do I need to redrill?

No. Don't redrill. It rarely helps more than a very little bit.


Am I just having the first time jitters?

Yes. :)

[ADKMAPLE]

Cassell, my advise to you, buy the NA Maple Producers Manual. IT explains all of those questions and provides reason why. ITs worth getting it.

[3rdgen.maple]

I cant even read the darn type so I have no idea what he wrote.

[lakeview maple]

where can I get a copy of the NA maple producers manual, thanks Al

[BryanEx]

where can I get a copy of the NA maple producers manual, thanks Al

Most maple equipment dealers carry copies (check both distributors and manufactures on http://www.sugarbush.info for someone local to you) or you can order direct from Ohio State University at http://extension.unh.edu/forestry/Docs/Maple1.pdf