Multiple spout spacing

[PeddlerLakeSapper]

If a tree is going to get two spouts can I space them 4 to 5 inches from each other? Or do they have to be 180 degrees from each other?

[Fred Henderson]

A 6 inch spaceing is better. This will leave room for future tappings.

[Homestead Maple]

Proctor Maple Research did a study on this and you may find this info on their site. Proctor's study showed that a single tap will draw the sap from most of the cross section of where the tap is on a 15" tree if you are using vacuum. So, if the tree is larger than that you would want your other tap 180 degrees from it.

[Amber Gold]

I put mine 180 degrees from each other figuring the tap would affect an area X inches (not sure the amount) away from the tap hole. I figure 180 degrees would ensure I wasn't pulling sap from the 1st tap hole. Also I'm tapping a virgin orchard and thought it would be best/easiest to keep them north/south so next year I'll do east/west, next northeast/southwest, and etc.

[Brent]

my mentor says that the overlook spacing issue is height. try to keep the vertical separation 2 feet or so. Don't know were the source of this science came from but it make some sense.