Big storm

[CTfarm]

Anybody thinking about setting some taps out before this Saturday's big storm? It looks like we'll get some good days next week for the sap to run. I'm not sure I want to climb through a foot of snow, possibly, Monday and Tuesday. Thoughts?

[Hop Kiln Road]

No, but sure thinking about setting tanks as this might signal a shift in the weather pattern.

[markgm]

I'd liked to have run my lines by now, but instead I'll get some cardio in! I'll probably decide Monday if I'm tapping. If it looks like another deep freeze is coming after this warm-up then I'll wait.

[Cjadamec]

Definitely going to try and be ready to set taps if the forecast for next week holds.

[therealtreehugger]

Unfortunately, I’m not ready yet. Although, long range forecast in my area has a warm up late next wk, so I might have waited anyway.

[SkunkWorks]

Next week looks plenty warm for a run, but it seems so early. I guess it depends on how bored I get on Sunday.

[Paul01036]

I might throw a few taps in, this being my second year as a hobbyist I'd like to know the dangers of tapping too early. Any advice? if we go back to the cold weather and the sap slows or stops are these holes ruined? May be an elementary question but I thought I would ask.

[Sugar Bear]

It might not run so well for the first few days of the first warm up. The frost line has a pretty good grip on things this year. And if we get a good dump of snow the base of the trees will be well insulated.

With no snow to date to insulate things, I imagine the frost has dug in deep.

It took a few days last year and this year is even colder and deeper.

[ecolbeck]

As soon as you tap the clock starts ticking on the lifespan of that tap. Bacteria begin the process of plugging up the taphole and cutting off the flow of sap. This is a 4-6 week process if you are using buckets. You want to time your tapping to coincide with the greatest likelihood of optimal sugaring weather.