using a 5/16 pipe-line

[Asthepotthickens]

This year I would like to run a few lines off of tree that are hard to get to. How long of a run can I use with the regular 5/16" tubing? Most will be running down hill. Thank you.

[Chainsaw Baby]

Many factors will dictate what is feasible... I'll assume you don't have vacuum. For gravity, slope is a big factor. Try to have no level or uphill sections in the tubing. If your tubing is more than 20 meters, have a bleed tube at the end (open tube about 2 meters high above the first tap on the line). With sufficient slope, you can run tubing for 100 - 200 meters, but realistically, tubing stalls out after about 50 meters on gentle slopes (less than 3 degrees).

[DrTimPerkins]

If your tubing is more than 20 meters, have a bleed tube at the end (open tube about 2 meters high above the first tap on the line).

The term for this is venting, which was fairly common back in the 1950s. DO NOT VENT. It is not good practice, and will result in 30-50% lower sap production.

[Asthepotthickens]

Thank you to the both of you, I knew that venting was a bad idea after reading a few posts. Dr. Tim, can I use runs as long as 30 yards?

[DrTimPerkins]

...can I use runs as long as 30 yards?

Sure, should be no problems doing that.

[325abn]

Pull the tubing to where you need it, maintain tuantess and slope and you will be A-OK. I have had 30 - 40 taps on a 300Ft run of 5/16 and it worked fine for my needs.

[Asthepotthickens]

Thank you. To keep it tight, do I wrap the hose around the tree?