5/16" Drop Lengths

[rhwells2003]

I'm going to start cutting and making my drops this weekend and possibly start installing them too, but I can't decide how long to make them. The majority of my trees are in the 12"-14" dia range, but some as big as 24-30" dia. I was initially thinking 30" drops so I could make sure I can reach everything and vary my tap locations from year to year, but then again a 30" drop on a 12" dia tree might start to get to be bothersome.

Ideas? Whats everyone using?

[Thompson's Tree Farm]

A minimum of 30 inches. 36 is better.

[unc23win]

I started going with 36" minimum and also made some 40" for this season since I am using seasonal spouts and cut them off each year. 36" is good for most after you tap the same tree for a few years you will see the benefit of having longer drops to hit good wood.

[COMSTOCK MAPLES]

I use 36 inch drops on most everything. I cut some 40 inch for the big tree's. Good luck

[adk1]

yeah I agree. I have some that are 24" and some shorter. Also had a few 30". I will never go below 30" again.

[maple flats]

Years ago, I cut mine 28", but over the years I changed to 30, then 32 and now 36. The longer drops seem to be best. I've never cut any at 48", but you never know. For now, all new are 36", regardless of the tree diameter.

[BreezyHill]

I'm going to start cutting and making my drops this weekend and possibly start installing them too, but I can't decide how long to make them. The majority of my trees are in the 12"-14" dia range, but some as big as 24-30" dia. I was initially thinking 30" drops so I could make sure I can reach everything and vary my tap locations from year to year, but then again a 30" drop on a 12" dia tree might start to get to be bothersome.

Ideas? Whats everyone using?

On the smaller tree just cut a short length to reduce sag in the line below the lateral. On the bigger trees 30" is what I do. On 10-18" a 24" drop gives me all the reach I will need for the 5 year life of the drop.

To get good vac transfer to the tap don't have any part of the drop below the lateral line. If your tubing is at waist height and you have long arms you could keep 40" straight to the connection fairly easily. I'm only 6' and like to keep my taps a little lower.

Now if your trees have been tapped heavily for years then you need a longer drop. I have some of those too.