Tap location

[Dave Y]

This will be my second year tapping. What is the rule of thumb for tap locations on trees that have been tapped previous years. And can you tap the same area of the trunk after the old tap hole heals?

[Dave Y]

Jeremy,

Wouldn't you run out of tapable tree sooner or later?

[WESTVIRGINIAMAPLER]

Dave,

A good healthy tree continues to grow and as the years go by, the tree diamater continues to get larger and new growth grows out and covers the old tapholes and eventually, you will tap in the new growth. With the new 5/16" spouts, you could probably tap as close as 2" to the side of an old tap hole a few years later. 20 years later, you may put a tap in the exact location of a hole 20 years before it and never know it since the tree has grown out over the years. Most of us now tap the holes about 1.5 to 2 inches deep, so this is why that is possible. :D

Hope that makes sense! 8O

[Dave Y]

Thanks Gentelemen,
It does make sense. But considering the slow growth rate of the maple tree I felt this may be a problem. Being new to tapping I wanted to make sure.