Split tree and vacuum leak

[Amber Gold]

Walking the woods last night and I could hear a vac. leak. Inspected the tap and it's tight, but I pull it out and see the tree has a slight split at the tap hole causing an audible leak. The tree was frozen.

Question I have is, should I leave the tap in (I'm still pulling 25-26"), will the split close up a bit when the tree thaws, or pull it to save the vac. leak?

I'm inclined to leave it in, but wanted to get other opinions.

Thanks.

[mapleack]

Did you plug it off to see what you gained vacuum wise? If you gain an inch by plugging it off you're ahead.

[brookledge]

That is sometimes caused by tapping when it is frozen. I'd say as long as you are holding your 25-26 I'dleave it alone. Now that you know where it is you can keep an eye on it
Keith

[Maplewalnut]

I'd leave it also, may get a little weepage around the tap hole but in my experience vacuum shouldn't be compromised.

[Russell Lampron]

I would pull the tap. The vacuum transfer to the other taps on that lateral won't be as good in my opinion. Better to lose the sap from one tap and not affect the volume from the others on that lateral.

[Brian Ryther]

I am with russ.

[Amber Gold]

When the trees thawed out, I shut the valve off and watched the gauge and it dropped pretty rapidly. I walked up and pulled the spout and capped it, and the gauge stayed about steady. Tap got pulled and will stay pulled. Thanks.