Newbie with Questions

[h2okush]

Hi all,

First time tapper. One sugar maple in the backyard. Live in eastern PA, Montgomery county 1 hr north west of philly.

I tapped 1.5” into the tree including bark.

1.20.18
Initial tapping 10am
51 F, 28F, 3 drops

1.21.18
50 F, 28 F, NA

1.22.18
55 F, 35 F, NA

To much of a temp difference?

If I believe the current tap is not drilled well can I add a second tap on the opposite side of the tree for good measure? Tree is pretty wide.

If I leave the tap in, when temps are ideal would sap flow. Or will the warm temps cause the fungi and bacteria to close up the valve?

Starting tomorrow temps are supposed to be in the 20’s over night and mid 30’s, low 40’s during day for 3 days and 2 nights.

From reading the Jersey and PA threads they say to tap early, as temps warm come Feb and March.

Any advice is very welcome and appreciated, thank you.

[johnpma]

How big around is the tree? What did the wood on your drill bit look like after you drilled (color)?

[berkshires]

On the 22nd, in your area, it looks like it didn't freeze overnight, so I wouldn't expect much flow that day. As for the other two days, not sure. You're 100% sure it's a sugar maple?

[h2okush]

82” circumference, 26” diameter

When I had a guy come out to give me tree trimming estimates he told me it was a sugar maple

When I taped a remover some darkened wood from assuming bark then some nicer healthy looking wood

17163

17166

[johnpma]

you can put two taps in that tree.......give it time it will run for you

[Trapper2]

Any chance its leaking around the tap? Maybe not seated correctly.

[DrTimPerkins]

Looks like the spout is seated real deep. How deep did you tap in the spout?

[h2okush]

Can’t remember how deep I tapped it in. Probally far as I could go till the tap reached the end of the drilled hole.

My plan of action is to add a 2nd tsp on the opposite end of the tree. Tips for the tapping...

Was gonna drill in a bit till healthy wood shows it’s self. Measure the bark and make sure to drill 1.25 inches past the bark. Putt tap in only till snug and not all the way in.

Thoughts?

[johnpma]

Dr. Tim has a point on depth you don't have to drive it home if you listen as you tap it in you will hear a different tone when it seats properly usually 3 solid taps with a hammer not like driving a nail

[h2okush]

17268

SAP!!! Only 350ml. Maybe I’ll get enough syrup toncoat one half slice of bacon. SUoer exciting to see that this all works. Hopefully weather stays in my favor.

The one tap produced yellow tinited sap? Contamination from rain water? Do I just discard or can it still be boiled and used.

Thanks