Tapping location on veteran trees

[82cabby]

Hi all-

So I have been tapping the same sugarbush for about 8 or 9 years now and I am getting worried about damage to the trees. On trees in 'prime' locations I can see where I have tapped them multiple times in the past, although tapping sites more than 4 years old have healed nicely.

What is the optimal tapping pattern (or frequency?) for trees to keep them healthy and viable? Currently my system is trees under 24" -30" in diameter get one tap, trees over 30" get two and I try to stay 12" or so from previous tapping sites, but that is not always practical.

Thanks for any advice!

[BryanEx]

4 to 6 inches apart should be fine but also alter the tapping heights so they are not all in line around the tree.

[Haynes Forest Products]

Trees heal above and below more than side to side so try and keep new taps away from the last 3-5 years taps. As the tree gets older it will grow over with new sap wood and after time the tap hole will be barried under new growth. Dont get sucked into the tapping only the south side of trees. Grab the drill look around for a nice clear spot on any side and keep clear from old taps and GET ER DONE

[ennismaple]

Space your holes out 4" hoizontally and a foot vertically from old holes and vary them up and down as much as possible. Don't worry about seeing old tapholes - we have trees that have been tapped for over 60 years and finding untapped areas is really challenging!

[82cabby]

Thanks everyone!