Removing taps left in from previous season.
I have the opportunity to tap a new sugarbush this season that has been previously tapped. I’ll be replacing all lines and drops and starting fresh.
My issue is the previous individual just called it quits and left all the taps in at the end of the season and walked away. Will the tree have enough time to heal before the freeze if I pull the taps now or would I be better off just leaving the spouts in? Thanks.
2018 - 20 Taps on 3/16, Barrel evaporator with 2 steam pans. Unknown amount.
2019 - Nothing
2020 - 30 Taps on Shurflo, 30 taps on 3/16, 2x5 oil tank evaporator, 11 Gallons.
2021 - 35 Taps on Shurflo, 11 buckets, RB10 RO Bucket, 2x3XL Mason Evaporator. 4 gallons
2022 - 110 Taps on Shurflo, 77 taps on 3/16 gravity, 13 buckets to hit 200, Upgrade to RB15 RO Bucket.
2023 - 110 Taps on Shurflo, New 3/4 Mainline with 125 taps, 2x4 raised flue, Upgrade to Homemade 4x40 RO.
How long ago were the taps left in place? How much have the spouts left in place grown over? What kind of spouts (plastic, metal, 7/16" or 5/16")? Photos might help.
If it was just this past season or last year, pull them. If you have to damage any new growth around the outside of the spout, maybe cut or snap them off (if they are plastic) or leave them in.
Dr. Tim Perkins
UVM Proctor Maple Research Ctr
http://www.uvm.edu/~pmrc
https://mapleresearch.org
Timothy.Perkins@uvm.edu
Plastic spouts left in from either last year or 2 years prior.
Sounds like breaking them off may be the best bet if they look grown in at all.
I'll try for some photos the next time I am up there.
2018 - 20 Taps on 3/16, Barrel evaporator with 2 steam pans. Unknown amount.
2019 - Nothing
2020 - 30 Taps on Shurflo, 30 taps on 3/16, 2x5 oil tank evaporator, 11 Gallons.
2021 - 35 Taps on Shurflo, 11 buckets, RB10 RO Bucket, 2x3XL Mason Evaporator. 4 gallons
2022 - 110 Taps on Shurflo, 77 taps on 3/16 gravity, 13 buckets to hit 200, Upgrade to RB15 RO Bucket.
2023 - 110 Taps on Shurflo, New 3/4 Mainline with 125 taps, 2x4 raised flue, Upgrade to Homemade 4x40 RO.
If it's only been a year or two I'd try pulling them out.
If they are really stuck, cut them off as close to the bark as possible with a pair of snips.
Dr. Tim Perkins
UVM Proctor Maple Research Ctr
http://www.uvm.edu/~pmrc
https://mapleresearch.org
Timothy.Perkins@uvm.edu
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