Tapped in Freetown

[mike103]

50 years old and just giving this maple syrup thing a try. On 2/19/16 tapped 15 reds, 2/20/16 tapped 10 more. I got 5 gallons out of 7 trees but very little out of most. Thinking it could be warm spell? Trying to be optimistic. By what ive read on this site so far is Red Maple is tempermental to work with. Best of Luck to you all this season.





25 buckets, 3 turkey fryers, 3 full pans, 10 year old daughter for gathering.

[NedL]

I have about 30 taps. Small time compared to some of these guys. Been doing this for 8 years. If it doesn't freeze up over night, they usually stop running. Should start again after the freeze this weekend.

[mike103]

Thanks for the reply Ned, I figure being that we are only about 30 miles apart our weather is pretty identical as far as maples go, do you have red maples and have they been quiet for you too?

[mike103]

After 6 days of absolutely nothing on 25 red maples, they seem to be starting to run today. Hoping to finish season with 1 gallon of syrup. The weather forecast seems to improve later in the week. Good Luck!

[mike103]

boiled last of the sap this morning for a whopping 1/2 gallon of borderline buddy syrup for the 3 week MA season. Reminder for next season;
1. Tap end of January instead of Feb 18th.
2. Shurflo vac.
3. Attempt to build small Arch.

Thank You to all the veteran maple guys and gals willing to share their knowledge on this site with rookies like myself.
Have a great summer!

[CharlieR]

Mike, I tapped 25 reds last year and they did nothing for me until I connected a Shurflo to them, but even then they were not great producers. I think you are on the right track with your thoughts for next year. good luck.