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Thread: Tapping and then it freezes question

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Sault Ontario
    Posts
    1,016

    Default Tapping and then it freezes question

    Hello to all my friends and MT !

    I should maybe know this answer but don't.

    I want to tap some trees today, temps for the next 4-5 days are wonderful for sap flow. Above freezing and sunny with temps below freezing each night, dream forecast.

    But, then temps will drop below freezing and stay frozen for 2 weeks or so. I don't want to shorten my season by two weeks.

    Am I shortening my tap hole life span by tapping now or does the freeze keep bacteria away that will eventually close the hole ?

    Any input is appreciated.

    Thank-you
    2011- 35 taps, ,,,milk juggs and buckets-propane turkey fryer !!
    2012 -75 taps,,,,, 40 on tubing into buckets, and 35 buckets - 3nd hand Homemade arch, brutal.
    2013- Just over 115 taps and still adding more.
    2014, new SS flat pan and new arch built, guessing 75-100 taps this year.
    2015, 50 taps on Shurflo pump.
    2016- Getting a line across my creek this year.
    2017-took a year off, Jamaica was fun !
    2018- 45 trees tapped, keeping it fun !

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2013
    Location
    Marysville, Ohio
    Posts
    663

    Default

    If it were me I would just for for it. Here in Ohio sometimes we get the best sap flow in February and sometimes in March. I think you are probably 2-3 weeks behind us. My taps generally have been productive for 8 weeks or so that puts you out to the 20th of April or so.
    Leader 1/2 pint - Kawasaki Mule - Smoky Lake Filter Bottler
    24 GPH RO, 2 1/2 x 40 NF3 (NF270), 140 GPH (Brass with no relief valve ) ProCon pump
    2013 - 44 taps - 16 gallons syrup, 2014 - 109 taps - 26 gallons syrup
    2015 - 71 taps - 13.5 gallons syrup, 2016 - 125 taps - 24.25 gallons syrup
    2017 - 129 taps - 17.5 gallons syrup, 2018 - 128 taps- 18 gallons syrup
    2019 -130 taps - 18.5 gallons syrup, 2020 ~125 taps-19.75 gallons syrup

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Dec 2002
    Location
    Rock Creek, NC
    Posts
    5,807

    Default

    If your season normally starts around March 1st and you use new or sanitized taps tap now and don't worry about the freeze up. I'm assuming that you are asking about bucket taps. I see that you have a Sureflow in your signature so tapping the tubing isn't a problem.
    Russ

    "Red Roof Maples" Where the term "boiling soda" was first introduced to the maple world!

    1930 Ford Model AA Doodlebug tractor
    A couple of Honda 4 wheelers
    Four chainsaws and no chickens!

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