When can we start tapping

[Noseguard76]

We are finally getting some cold weather in the Syracuse area with freezing temps at night and above 32 degrees at night. Was wondering when one could start tapping. Does the ground need to freeze hard before sap will flow when subsequent nights freeze followed by thaw during the day?

[DrTimPerkins]

Does the ground need to freeze hard before sap will flow when subsequent nights freeze followed by thaw during the day?

No, however you probably shouldn't be tapping quite yet unless you have tens of thousands of taps to get done. Still a fair bit of winter let to come. Wait until you have a good forecast for warm days (high 30s to low 40s) and cold nights (below 25 deg F). You'll probably want to start thinking of tapping in late-February or early-March depending upon the forecast.

[nacc]

I am a little concerned that with this crazy weather pattern we might be missing the start of an early an quick season looking at the weather forecast for Ulster county it sure looks like perfect weather to tap now--what are your thoughts

[Wanabe1972]

As crazy warm as this winter has been I think we are in our Jan thaw. I was in the same situation here last year with no snow but cold. Super bowl Sun we got 18 inches of snow and I tapped March 1 on snow shoes. Winter is not over in my opinion. I am how ever go to take advantage and clean my tanks and equipment up while the weather is nice. Maybe for once I'll be ready to go when the weather is ready.

[adk1]

whenever you want

[guples]

I have been drilling holes for the last three days , hopeing to catch an early run this week