Freshly tapped tree vs 2 week old tapped tree

[markcasper]

A fresh taphole that did not go through the heat of 1-2 weeks ago will likely run better the whole season. You only have about 2 weeks from the time you tap and you will start seeing random tapholes just quit running. If you can use a new spout of some sort, that helps tremendously, even on open bucket taps.

[flyzone13]

A fresh taphole that did not go through the heat of 1-2 weeks ago will likely run better the whole season. You only have about 2 weeks from the time you tap and you will start seeing random tapholes just quit running. If you can use a new spout of some sort, that helps tremendously, even on open bucket taps.

I tapped my tress 2 weeks ago, I'd say 80% of those trees will support multiple taps. I only put a single tap into those trees knowing that it was really early but I wanted in on the early run. With that said, can I tap an additional hole on the trees that can support it? I do believe I can in my opinion but would like to hear others opinions.

[Hkb82]

I tapped my tress 2 weeks ago, I'd say 80% of those trees will support multiple taps. I only put a single tap into those trees knowing that it was really early but I wanted in on the early run. With that said, can I tap an additional hole on the trees that can support it? I do believe I can in my opinion but would like to hear others opinions.

This is also what I was thinking. Most of the trees I tapped I only put a single tap into although they could have had two. This is my first year tapping the trees so I figured I would spread out the taps and see what trees produced the best. I was thinking of just taping a second tap into the the trees that can handle two taps. Good idea or bad???

[harrison6jd]

i agree with the others. a new taphole will run more initially than an earlier tap. even if conditions are not favorable for a run, it will run when first drilled. i dont have scientific proof but just time in the woods. once you taste that first bit of your own syrup that you produced, you will be hooked. its a great time. enjoy.

on a side note, this forum is an encyclopedia of information. scientific and real world experience. the people who visit these forums are supportive and positive. no bologna!

[old fashioned]

Think of your tap hole as a wound in the tree. As soon as you tap the tree starts to heal. As it heals it bleeds less. Depending on the weather the healing process takes 2-4 weeks. I'm in Ohio and this year we had a week of 60 degree weather a week after I tapped. When it got cold again - sap ran - taps that were giving a full bucket had maybe an inch in them. A new tap gave a full bucket. Made for a short season.

30+ years with a 30 in by 7 ft flat pan and a 2 ft by 3 ft finishing pan. I can boil 25+ gal an hour.

[Hkb82]

Think of your tap hole as a wound in the tree. As soon as you tap the tree starts to heal. As it heals it bleeds less. Depending on the weather the healing process takes 2-4 weeks. I'm in Ohio and this year we had a week of 60 degree weather a week after I tapped. When it got cold again - sap ran - taps that were giving a full bucket had maybe an inch in them. A new tap gave a full bucket. Made for a short season.

30+ years with a 30 in by 7 ft flat pan and a 2 ft by 3 ft finishing pan. I can boil 25+ gal an hour.

Yup that's kinda what I thought that the tree was healing hence the lack of sap. I think I could yeald the best from my trees by tapping one tap per tree then go back around 2-3 weeks later and add the second.