Drops

[Tap&sap]

Hello everyone, I have a question about drops. I have read where drops should be replaced every three years for maximum production, however, for some reason or another we end up replacing drops from time to time due to repairs. What is everybodys method for marking replaced drops so that you dont end up replacing a one year old drop when replacing all the old drops in year 3?

[buckeye gold]

I can't answer that as I started replacing all my drops, tees and spiles every year. I only have 150, so not a big expense. Before that I didn't worry about it as it was usually only 2-3 on a lateral, if the lateral was due they all got changed. I would flag the bottom of a lateral when it was due. I only have 6 laterals

[maple flats]

No answer, I replace a section on schedule, even if some got changed do to damage in between.

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

If you’re really concerned about it, you could use different color tubing for the drops from year to year. Blue, green, grey then start over. Like others, we’re on a 4 year cycle and just change everything out.

[tcross]

i tend to try and use different color drops from year to year. however, i also only change them out if they get short and or real dirty. i use check valve spouts for 3 reasons. don't have to replace my drops every 3 years, i get more production, and i can tap below the lateral line without sap returning to the tap hole.!

[blissville maples]

Replace it anyways and enjoy the extra yields. I come across the same thing and that's how I approach it. Otherwise your going the other way when that drop gets to year 3. Now replace just those few and leave 2 y/o drops....if you think about it a spout is .18 a "t" is .22 and tuning is about 13 cents a foot. So for around .75 your as good as you can get and can expect 100% yield from that tree. That's my take on it

[Tap&sap]

Thanks for the input, I probably was over thinking this!