Reds and 3/16 tubing

[Sugarsnow]

So my experience with tapping reds (drop lines to buckets) has been a bit frustrating so far. To put it simply, some run and some don’t. From what I have read others have hade similar experiences. I have also read that adding vacuum can greatly improve sap production from reds that produced next to nothing on buckets.

What I am wondering is do natural vacuum 3/16 tubing systems work well on exclusively reds? I have a enough of reds on a nice slope to run some lines but don’t want to waste time and money if it won’t work.

Thanks for any info. First post by the way.

[Thompson's Tree Farm]

My experience with red maples mirrors that of yours and others. On gravity alone they may or may not run. With vacuum, their volume is pretty close to sugar maples. 3/16 with good fall produces vacuum using gravity so they become vacuum taps. Your reds will have a significant increase in production with a 3/16 system with good fall and no leaks.

[Maplewalnut]

Agree, reds need vacuum (whether natural or pump)but you will be happy once you coax some sap out.

[Sugarsnow]

Thanks! I may try running some lines at some point. But I think I will need to up grade my evaporator first, I don’t think the 55 gallon drum with steam table pans will be up for more sap.

[maple flats]

3/16 vacuum will help considerably on reds. You need at least 15 and up to 30 taps on a single line to get the best results and the slope must be at least 15' drop, 30+ is by far best, but it will work with less.