Gum Trees and When to Tap - Southern Maryland

[Antarctica]

Hi -

Been lurking for a few months and had hopes of tapping some gum trees (about 20) this year in Central/Southern Maryland (Southern Anne Arundel County). New baby and general lack of knowledge on when to do it prevented me from taking the plunge this year, but would like to prepare for next year. I have a couple of regional/tree specific questions that I haven't seen clear answers for:

I'd like to tap about 20 gum trees on my property, using ~5 foot lengths of tubing into milk jugs to start. Anyone else in my area tap gum trees? How about Black Walnut (I have several of those too). Success or lack thereof?

When? I know the standard answer of when temps go from freezing at night to above freezing in the day, but in our area, that can be nearly the whole winter. Is there a particular date range for this area that is more specific?

Brent

[Revi]

I have seen sweet gums that grew all the way to Guatemala. I think you want to tap them in the middle of the winter. Any time the temps go from 20 to 40 is perfect. I have never heard of anyone tapping them. I looked a little and they do produce sap. Here's something about tapping them:
http://www.ehow.com/how_8107989_gather-sweet-gum-sap.html

[sweetgum wisperer]

it does not respond to stem pressure like maple, walnut and sycamore but more like birch if it does produce. the story or article was written by a fictitious character who does not exist, other than Virginia Tech no real research has been done.

[Antarctica]

I'm unclear of your reference to 'the show'...?

Brent

[Revi]

If I was you I would stick to Norway Maples. They are everywhere and they work just as well as sugars, but they cut out earlier, and probably start a little earlier also. In Western Maryland I would tap them in January and February and see what you get.