Quote Originally Posted by Daveg View Post
I've read here that tapping too early can result in tap holes that no longer produce even though there are still sap runs. I tapped in late January and I'm still getting good, cold, clear 1.5% sap. Too late to tap new trees, following sustainability guidelines. Stretches of either temperature extreme can be followed by good sap production, even in April.
Anecdotal evidence says these relatively new leader spiles with check valves prevent back flows of sap (introducing bacteria) when your lines freeze and flow well from application to when you pull.

https://www.leaderevaporator.com/p-4...lve-spout.aspx