2013 Gravity Flow

Hi guys,
We have been tapped for about 2 weeks with 50taps on 5/16 gravity on flat ground, the anchor lines/highest tap start about 9 feet, and drop to about 4 feet over 90 feet and have gotten about 10 gallons total. The last few days have been cold so the lines were still fairly frozen. Have you guys noticed a slow flow with gravity so far? We have been constantly trying to rework the lines to coax better flow, but I was thinking it has a little more to do with still early. Anyone else have any ideas?

Mike

Mike: I tapped a couple of nights ago and some of the trees were running right away. I am on all gravity as well. I checked the lines last night and this morning and all are frozen. I think the sap hasn't really started running strongly yet -- most of the trees I tapped didn't "bleed" at all.

Matt

Mike, I also have put my taps in they flowed some the 1st couple of days but the last week have been really slow or frozen. I'm hoping for nice weather after the storm...
this is also my 1st year with tubing...Jim

I wouldn't worry about it. we are still technically early for the season. They will start soon enough and and you should even get a little natural vacuum when they do start.

good days next week....be ready!

Thanks Guys,
I figured that it probably wasn't a problem I was facing but timing. Last year was our first year using any tubing and that was just directly to buckets and we all know last year was just fantastic so I didn't have much to compare to. Good luch everyone. Thanks for the input.

Mike

Finished tapping my main area. 125 on gravity. Was too chilly to get any flow. i'll finish almost 200 buckets on monday. Looks great for next week. Lets just hope no major tree damage from the wind.

How is everyone flowing on gravity tubing? Looks like some guys in MA had a good run yesterday on gravity.
-Dave

Our gravity line is running great today. Perfect weather to start the season.

we are flowing today!!!! ready for first fire tomorrow!!

Had a good flow today!! I like having the snow around to keep the sap cold!!! Jim