"Standard" date to tap

[berkshires]

This will be only my second year, so I'm looking for advice from more experienced folk.

My sugarbush is in the foothills of the Berkshires, at around 850' elevation, and facing east (so it stays pretty cold). I don't have any neighbors who tap (that I know of). I know it'll vary from year to year, but roughly what date would you consider "standard" for this region to drill taps? And about how late before the trees bud out?

Thanks!

GO

[mudr]

Check out the last table on page 2, and first on page 3. Use these as a guide, and the 10 day forecast once you get close.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/New_England_includes/Publications/Crop_Production/NE%2520Maple%2520Syrup%2520Production.pdf&ved=0ahUKEwjfl_W0sq7QAhUGiCwKHXmQDMcQFggdMAA&usg=AFQjCNG7BTV3lhgJB37Nyw6x4IeoW2oHmA&sig2=Ew7ThuRvBuZKbxbVhW8xdg

[madmapler]

Honestly, It starts when it starts and ends when it ends. I'd be ready to tap at the end of February. It can happen sooner but probably later. Keep your eye on this forum. Somebody's sure to get it right. :)

[berkshires]

Thanks, that was helpful. I'm not sure where I got this from, but I was thinking that a long season would be mid Feb to late March. I think that's off, it's more likely to be late Feb to early April.

Last year I drilled taps 2/28, and my last boil was 3/23, and I was checking each tap to make sure it wasn't buddy. I think I probably needn't have worried, and probably could have kept going for another week.

GO

[johnpma]

This is a picture of the back side of the area we tap.......remember all the rain in late Feb??? We didn't put these taps out until after 2/25 Our season was cut short because of plans to take the kids to Florida in April Also because of the warm winter and the fact that we boil outside meant I only boiled on weekends........whole ne plan this year as we "grow again"

[sugarman3]

It's in mother natures hand

[maple flats]

You could be running sap in the last half of Jan. and as late as past mid April. I'm similar to you in climate and I have tapped by Jan 20 the last 3 seasons. As long as you use new check valve taps or anti microbial taps to keep the tap hole clean you should be good. When I pull my taps in late April and early May, after the season has ended, most taps are still quite wet. The exception might be if you are on buckets, then you should wait until the weather tells you it is maple season.

[Sugarmaker]

your best friend will be the local weather forecasters. look for temps above freezing for several days in a row. mid feb to mid march is usually a good bet.
regards,
chris