Warm enough to tap?

[newman_maple]

It is 38 degrees this afternoon and I tapped a few trees. It has been below freezing for the past week or so. The trees do not appear to be thawed at all. I was careful with the few I did, but I am concerned I will split them out if I keep going today. It is supposed to get very warm and stay warm for a few days before dropping again. I will tap tomorrow after work at the latest, but really wanted to get it done today. Any thoughts?

No need to reply.... I decided to wait. No point in risking it.

[psparr]

I tapped after a week of 20's and it was only 30 out. Some trees were dry, but more than half were running like mad. Sunny side granted, but I never thought they'd run like they did.

[newman_maple]

I thought they would show some signs of life, but it has been very cold for a week or more. I have had success tapping when colder than this, but it was always when the temps were already moving above and below freezing. It is supposed to get warmer through the night so they will be thawed tomorrow and running hard after I tap. I just wanted to get it done on a day off.

[psparr]

As far as I know most of the big producers tap frozen just to be able to get them all in before the warm up.

[newman_maple]

I am sure some do tap frozen, but I will only have around 140 - 150 taps total this year so I am OK waiting another day.