First year mistake,,,info wanted please.

[TerryEspo]

Hello Everyone:

I tapped for the first time this year and am hooked !!

I have been reading not to tap a tree under 10" across. I measured some trees that I tapped this year and they were approx. 7-8 inches. They provided sap as good as my large trees, maybe some gave even more sap than the larger trees.

What harm did I do? Will I see the small tapped trees die now?

Any input is appreciated.

Thanks.

Terry

[ennismaple]

Terry - The only danger with tapping small diameter trees is you run out of tappable sapwood before it increases in diameter to create more sapwood.

Give them the year off in 2012 if you're worried and they'll be fine. Chances are they'll heal over the taphole faster than the older trees you tapped.