Plugging tap holes?

[tendermason]

Do people plug the tap holes? If so why or why not? Thanks

[Maplehobbyist]

No, the trees plug the tap holes on their own.

[DrTimPerkins]

Do people plug the tap holes? If so why or why not? Thanks

No, do not plug the holes. Trees can compartmentalize the wound just fine without it. Plugging them just inserts a foreign body that itself can soak up moisture and then rot, possibly impeding the tree's healing process and making the wound bigger. Same thing with painting or tarring over a cut limb....don't, just leave it alone.

[mapleack]

Right, don't plug the holes. I use 5/16 taps and most holes are grown shut by august. If you're using 7/16 taps it'll take up to two years but they'll grow shut.

[mathprofdk]

Even my 7/16 holes heal by October. It's kind of cool to see, actually.