Tapping prior to thaw?

[notacarpenter]

I have always tapped during a run so I can also see the result of the initial flow. With this season getting shorter and shorter, I want to have everything ready. Is production reduced if you tap while the temps are freezing?

Greg from Wyalusing (100+ taps, 3 1/2 ft X 2 ft pan over fire-pit)

[bobsklarz]

Went to a Maple Workshop last month and learned when you tap frozen trees, you run the risk of splitting the tree and a leaking tap.

[DaveB]

Large producers start tapping in January in preparation for when the sap runs. You just need to be careful to drill a perfectly round hole (using a tapping bit helps) and not seat the spout too hard (a light tap will do). I almost always have some of my taps out before the sap flows. I think I only split the bark once so I don't think it's a huge risk.