Leaky taps

[Bfouts]

I have a newbie question. This is my first year sugaring I have 9 trees tapped. I am seeing a lot of lost sap around my taps and down the side of the tree. What did I do wrong when I tapped my trees? Is there a better way to have less lost product?


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[Run Forest Run!]

Tapping when the trees are still frozen solid, or hammering in the spile too hard can cause excessive leaking. The spiles usually only need a few gentle taps into the tree, not a home run hit (that was the mistake I made my first year). Either of those two sound like something you might have done??

[Bfouts]

We had just come out of a deep freeze the last week of February here in Ohio. But it looked as if many people were tapping trees at that time too. But I will try to make sure to be a bit gentler and maybe wait till we have a little warm up too.


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[Run Forest Run!]

Bfouts, if you are only tapping a few trees to make syrup for the family then you don't need to rush out early and put your taps in. Wait until the temps are a few degrees below freezing to be easiest on your trees. If you want to make sure that you don't miss out on any early runs, you can put in one or two taps and watch to see when they start to show moisture. Once you start to notice a little sap on those ones, then put the rest in. That will keep your taps fresher and open longer, you'll get more sap and the trees will be happier.

[Bfouts]

The goal for next year is to run lines and tap at least 30 trees. This year has been a learning year. I want to get to the point of producing enough to be able to sell. Have around 300 tappable trees. I will slowly increase my taps and my equipment. I hope to be able to tap all with in 5 years. Maybe it's a little aggressive but one must have goals.


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[beaglebriar]

I've had some leakers too. I think a good tapping bit is a worth while investment and should help some.

[Bfouts]

Beaglebriar I use an ordinary drill bit. You believe that there is that much of a difference? If so can you explain the difference to me.


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[beaglebriar]

I'm not sure because I need to try one myself. I used a auger bit for my 5/16 holes and a standard twist bit for some 7/16 holes.Both were new and both had some leaks. I noticed the regular bit wanted to walk some when starting a hole not sure what happened with the auger type bit. I've read good stuff about the tapping bits so I think they're worth a try.

[Ravenseye]

I tapped when it was real cold and had a few that leaked leaving a wet stain on the bark. A couple of taps now that the weather has warmed a little solved the problem.

[saphound]

I tapped when it was real cold and had a few that leaked leaving a wet stain on the bark. A couple of taps now that the weather has warmed a little solved the problem.

I had one like that too. I thought I had seated it good but I think the tree spit it out some. A couple taps with the hammer and I heard that thunk again. Maybe that's all you have to do, Bfouts.

[Bfouts]

Well I will just buy one and put it with my stuff for next year. It won't hurt that's for sure.


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[smokeyamber]

I got a tapping bit a couple of years ago, it has more twists and clears the hole better, I lost it this season and have had to drill with a regular for a few taps that I just added. The regular drill walks more and I will be getting a new tapping bit for sure ( and a spare ). I am also likely going to not tap as early next year and do the test hole idea, though I have alot of variation on what drips first, when it is really running there is no doubt !

One question I still have is on splitting, I don't think I seat the taps too hard ( some fall out when collecting), but still fight with splitting on some trees, mostly the smooth barked maples. Not sure what to do to prevent it, I may go to a short section of tubing into a bucket instead of hanging on the tap like I do now just as a test next year. I know I could got full tubing anytime since I am on a steep hillside, but I am not ready to give up the sound of all the buckets dripping ... music from the trees...

Season is definitely on here in Central VT... looking like a nice stretch coming up and I am now behind the eight ball on the evaporator setup...

[saphound]

Hey SmokeyAmber, that's how I did it..drop tube into buckets. Found out today since it's warm and sunny, I wish I had made the tubes long enough to set the bucket on the shady side of the tree instead of straight under the tap on the sunny side. Just somethin to think about if you do it.

[Tom59]

Last year I started using drop tubing into 5 gallon water bottles. Run two taps per bottle. Works great. I get the ones with the screw on top, swap em out, throw it in the truck. No leaking or spilling.
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[Bfouts]

I did drop tubing this year. On taps that were set well I collected well. On some taps where I did not set well I would see lots of sap down the side of the tree. Today was my last day of the f collecting and boiling. Our temps are going up and my spare time is gone. Won't have a free day for 2 weeks.


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