Tap Hole Viability

[LMP Maple]

Looking for some tapping timing opinions/advice. The last two years here in S. NH I have tapped on the 24th of Feb and pulled the taps around April first all buckets. With my work schedule I have to be done by April 1. My question is, I am switching about half of my taps over to 3/16 tubing this year. If I were to tap my tubing on Feb 1 and pull the taps on April 1 would I expect to have viable tap holes toward the end of March? I know the big guys will tap very early due to sheer volume however they have vacuum etc. I am not using check valves this year but thought I might put out the taps on tubing and wait on the buckets if the weather was a little iffy. Thoughts?

[amasonry]

I'm up here in Rumney NH and I tap my tubing on the 14 of February. most years. I would think in the south you would tap tubing a couple of weeks earlier. tubing is going to run first and longer. sap runs 7 to 8 weeks on the tubing.

[maple flats]

As long as you have good drop, thus good vacuum, your taps will remain open far longer on 3/16 than buckets do. Even 3+ months is not out of the question. On buckets 4-6 weeks is typical.

[LMP Maple]

Thank you for all the advice. I am going to shoot for the first warm day in February with my tubing. Thank you.