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