Odds of budding??

[Sunday Rock Maple]

The gas bubbles inside the fiber lumen are like balloons inside a wooden box. They can only expand so much until the wall prevents further expansion. Once you get to that point, no more bubble expansion, no more internal pressure, no more sap flow (maybe a little weeping flow).

It's very satisfying to hear a model that explains a reality that (up to that point) has been a puzzle.

Thanks again Dr.

[DrTimPerkins]

So the hotter the temp the faster they expand?

To a point. That is why you get some real gusher type runs. The wood thaws quickly, bubbles expand quickly, sap flows out the taphole very fast.

[DrTimPerkins]

It's very satisfying to hear a model that explains a reality that (up to that point) has been a puzzle.

Thanks again Dr.

You're welcome. Be thankful I didn't try to give you the 30-page scientific explanation. Even makes my head hurt.

[ennismaple]

No problem. A bit of advice (take it or leave it as you see fit). Stop worrying about and looking at buds. Just make syrup. When it tastes bad....stop making syrup.

Very sound advice from an experienced sugarmaker. I used to worry about weather to the point of losing sleep. Now I simply boil what sap we get, if it freezes we sleep and if the syrup makes your mouth pucker up you shut down and clean up!