Backyard Syrup Enthusiasts 2022

[Mvhomesteader]

Maple season is almost here! Funny how last season this thread was started on 2/2 anticipating a storm. One day and a year later- same situation. For those who like the snow, Let's Go Landon! (The storm name)

It's been a cold winter so far, and I don't see an end in sight. A few years ago I was looking back at the weather of January's past, and without going back to that data I think this past month feels like a January of old. I know this year we bypassed any January thaw. Any predictions on tapping time? Someone should start a pool.

In any case I'm ready whenever that happens. I did build a second concrete arch this past summer so my production rate should be improved this season. I'll be looking to tap more trees and boil more in a session. We need 15 gallons this year.....consumption has increased! Last season warmed up too fast and I had to dump fermented sap, probably 1.5 syrup gallons worth. Hopefully with more boiling capacity I can avoid that issue. I also updated all my storage and collection buckets, so I've got 300 gallons of storage. No more milk jugs this year as well-all collect is in 1.5 to 3.5 gallon buckets via tubing. This will eliminate overflowing jugs in heavy flow days.

We'll see how it all unfolds as the season progresses. Best of luck to all the backyard enthusiasts and everyone "mapling" in 2022!!

[West Sumner Sugar]

Kinda hoping this cold holds out and makes for a longer season than the past few. We have been busy as well trying to get the outside of the sugarhouse finished up. Im just finishing our 3rd solar vac system. We are also still hoping to get a 1000' 1" mainline up to add more taps. So in our case, the deep freeze will only buy us time to get these projects done. Either way hoping everyone has a good season!

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

We are all ready to tap in 2 of our 3 bushes. We tore down all the old lines down in our 3rd bush and have the new wire up. Hoping to run the 1000' of new mainline this weekend and get it mostly tied up. We should be able to add taps with the new line. Depending on when the season starts, we could be close on getting it done in time. This is one of the colder bushes so that helps. We're also hoping for a more normal 6 week season that goes into April. Hope everyone has a good season!

[Mvhomesteader]

I did not tap today other than one "test" tap to see what, if anything, is happening. Dry hole in a sunny location tree that generally performs well.

I'm see tomorrow if the warmth gets things going. I think the wind worked against me today, but it's supposed to be windier tomorrow. Next week's forecast has a nice sunny day in the low 40's followed by two overcast / snow shower days near 40, then a stretch of too cold till the end of the month. Not banner, so I'll play tapping by ear. It wouldn't hurt me till wait a bit longer.

[Tuckeradams2012]

I tapped my southern Maine trees yesterday and today, and will be tapping Norway on Saturday. Might be a tad early for the buckets up North, but hoping that the weather stays right!

[CanterburyMaple]

I don't know if I can wait any longer... With the forecast to be 40+ for the next 4 days in Gorham and below freezing at night, I think I'm going to put out 10-20 taps today. then maybe add the remaining 50 over the next couple of weeks as weather and time permits. Am I crazy? Call me crazy...

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

I won't say you're crazy but I would wait if you are on buckets. Even with the temps, I wouldn't expect much sap till Friday or Saturday so you are looking at a small run. And I really wouldn't put too much faith in a forecast beyond early next week which looks cold. We're planning to tap the end of February like just about every year.

[Mvhomesteader]

I woke up to my test tap with a nice sap layer, so I decided to get as many taps on as I could. I ended up putting 47 on and many were flowing pretty strong. I noticed that the smaller diameter trees were flowing much stronger than the bigger trees. I guess they are still froze up. I'll finish the remaining 34 tomorrow. It will be interesting to see what I collect tomorrow afternoon before the freeze. I'll wager 10 to 15 gallons. With another run Monday to Wednesday perhaps enough to boil? That would be early for me.

Interesting how different the conditions are between here and southern Maine. Canterbury Maple has a nice early season flow going-enjoy the boil! I think the higher elevation here, though only an hour north, delays the start somewhat. Smart move to make a big ice cube!

[CanterburyMaple]

I will finish putting in my 60-70 taps today, but I've got 55 degrees and sun down here in Gorham today. Definitely need to do what the weather is telling you to do in your neck of the woods; i'd guess up north it's still early, but I like MV's approach of doing a few test taps and see how trees are thawing out. Cool! And hopefully everyone gets a run next week, but then back to below freezing it looks like for a week or so (if you believe the 2 week forecast...)

On today's run, I've got about a gallon in each bucket so far, so looks like I'm RO-ing first thing tomorrow morning and boiling afterwards! I did something that I hope helps preserve my sap: I dumped a 5 gallon pail of water into my storage barrel 2 nights ago when it was 10 degrees over night to create a block of ice to keep the sap cool while I collect it today. We don't have much snow (2-3 inches of snow/sleet melted into an ice skating rink) so i don't have a snow bank to store it in. North side shade is the only friend I have right now, and my quickly melting ice cube...

[Mvhomesteader]

First boil today netted a gallon, quart and 1.5 pints off 68 gallons. This calculated to a ssc of 2.07%. I find that somewhat disappointing as I usually start out nearer to 2.5%. I swear it gets lower each year. We'll see what the next boil brings.

The new arch arrangement cooked off at over 12 gph, which cut my boiling time considerably. I'll be at it again Sunday with probably 55 gallons.