"Standard" date to tap
This will be only my second year, so I'm looking for advice from more experienced folk.
My sugarbush is in the foothills of the Berkshires, at around 850' elevation, and facing east (so it stays pretty cold). I don't have any neighbors who tap (that I know of). I know it'll vary from year to year, but roughly what date would you consider "standard" for this region to drill taps? And about how late before the trees bud out?
Thanks!
GO
2016: Homemade arch from old wood stove; 2 steam tray pans; 6 taps; 1.1 gal
2017: 15 taps; 4.5 gal
2018: 12 taps and short season; 2.2 gal
2019: 7 taps and a short season; 1.8 gals
2020: New Mason 2x3 XL evaporator halfway through season; 9 taps 2 gals
2021: Same Mason 2x3, 18 taps, 4.5 gals
2022: 23 taps, 5.9 gals
2023: 23 taps. Added AUF, 13.2 gals (too much sap!)
2024: 17 taps, 5.3 gall
2025: 17 taps, 4-5 gall
All on buckets