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Thread: 2019 Tapping in Western Pennsylvania

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2017
    Location
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    Posts
    121

    Default 2019 Tapping in Western Pennsylvania

    Two weeks ago I was going to put out taps around the 16th. Now the weather forecast is making me think I won't put any taps in until mid or even late February.

    What's everyone else planning on doing?

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Oct 2007
    Location
    Elliottsburg, PA
    Posts
    2,222

    Default

    I am east of you out near Carlisle and Harrisburg.
    For the last few years I have been all tapped in and making syrup by now, I too was thinking of tapping a week or two ago and decided to hold off a little to see what the weather was going to do.
    Well I am really happy that I held off, we are to have a day or two that will get above freezing but outside of that, hold on to your hat, boy is it going to get cold!

    I know the weather can make a quick change so I have everything sitting ready to go.
    1st Generation Hobby Maple Producer, you got to start somewhere.
    222 Taps, all on Vacuum! No more buckets.
    Lapierre 2'x5' raised flue w/Hood and Preheater
    Surge SP11, Lapierre Hobby Releaser
    Modified 5" Filter Press made by Daryl with a Gear Pump
    Homemade 2 membrane RO
    Kabota RTV Sap Hauler

    Hardy's Maple Syrup on Facebook

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Granville, PA
    Posts
    403

    Default

    I'm right near the center of the state and I'm with you guys. Glad that I didn't tap yet.

    I am looking at the forecast and if AccuWeather stays the same and true, I'll be tapping late next weekend. AccuWeather is the only AP that I have that goes out more than 1 week.
    Matt,
    Minehart Gap Maple

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Albion PA
    Posts
    5,099

    Default

    I think mid Feb maybe the time to tap. Assuming we get the warming we need. I always felt these hard freezes were good. Although we had so much rain in the last week, the ground is not frozen yet. So we may have a good season this year. Thats my prediction! Check back in April!
    Regards,
    Chris
    Casbohm Maple and Honey
    625 roadside taps + Neighbors bring some sap too!
    3x10 King, WRU, AOF and AUF
    12" SIRO Filter Press.
    2015 Ford F250 PSD sap hauler
    One Golden named Maggie, Norwegian Forest Cat named Lucy
    Too many Cub Cadets
    Ford Jubilee and several Allis WD's, and IH tractors
    1932 Ford AAB ton and a half, dump truck

    www.mapleandhoney.com

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Mar 2017
    Location
    Granville, PA
    Posts
    403

    Default

    Sugarmaker, I think that as far south of you that we are, and you are looking at mid-February then we should be a week or so ahead of you. My ground is frozen solid but has only been that way for a week now. This year's weather pattern has been unusually for sure.

    I hope you are correct in your prediction.
    Matt,
    Minehart Gap Maple

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jan 2018
    Location
    Marion (South Central), Pa
    Posts
    79

    Default

    Any concerns the sugar will be low from such a wet year? Fruit is always sweeter during dry years.

    I am south of Chambersburg and am waiting with the rest of you. Next weekend at the soonest but watching the forecast. My weathers guys are saying a cold Feb and March.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Albion PA
    Posts
    5,099

    Default

    Sugar content will be good. The shorter the season the sweeter the sap!
    May be into March the way the weather looks! Keep getting ready!
    Regards,
    Chris
    Casbohm Maple and Honey
    625 roadside taps + Neighbors bring some sap too!
    3x10 King, WRU, AOF and AUF
    12" SIRO Filter Press.
    2015 Ford F250 PSD sap hauler
    One Golden named Maggie, Norwegian Forest Cat named Lucy
    Too many Cub Cadets
    Ford Jubilee and several Allis WD's, and IH tractors
    1932 Ford AAB ton and a half, dump truck

    www.mapleandhoney.com

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    South of Pittsburgh, PA
    Posts
    183

    Default

    I'm 30 mins south of Pittsburgh. I'll be tapping Sat/Sun. Weather looks perfect after this week's cold spell.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Polk, PA
    Posts
    1,363

    Default

    Hello all and hope everyone has a great year! Earlier this week my coworker / backyarder talked about tapping this weekend. I told him he was full of crap. Looks like I will be eating my words I plan on tapping this Sunday. I don't expect any sap until at least Tuesday because of frozen trees. I will at least get the vacuum on and fix leaks. I'm not tapping my 3/16" this year. I'll probably stop at about 20 gallons if mother nature lets me get there. Good luck everyone!
    136 on high vacuum for 2019
    A&A 2X8, raised flue evaporator
    hood, parallel flow pre heater and air over fire
    12X28 sugar shack

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Polk, PA
    Posts
    1,363

    Default

    Wow, what crazy weather. Tapped yesterday and fixed leaks. Everything is clean and ready. Sucked some hot water through the mainline and dumped the first 30 gallons or so of sap. Sap is collecting in the tank now First boil should be tomorrow! Special thanks to my great wife who helped right along. Anyone else collecting?
    136 on high vacuum for 2019
    A&A 2X8, raised flue evaporator
    hood, parallel flow pre heater and air over fire
    12X28 sugar shack

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