Nice! A couple of thoughts, if you're interested in feedback:
1 - Previous year tapping info. You wrote:
every year you should tap a distance away from the prior year’s tap anyway (6″ horizontally and 12″ vertically)
The UVM Proctor Maple Research Center suggests tapping
at least 2-4” side-to-side and 6-12” up-or-down from the previous year’s taphole.
Reference: https://mapleresearch.org/pub/sapyieldtips2020/
So I think that your recommendation of 6" spacing to the side will result in making it difficult to find good wood within a much shorter time.
2 - Regarding where to tap, you wrote:
For best results, you should choose a place on the tree that is either below a big branch or above a big root
Dr Tim Perkins, a researcher at PMRC says that the above is not true - it makes no difference if you tap above a large root or below a large limb. Reference: http://mapletrader.com/community/sho...125#post379125
Cheers,
Gabe
2016: Homemade arch from old wood stove; 2 steam tray pans; 6 taps; 1.1 gal
2017: Same setup. 15 taps; 4.5 gal
2018: Same setup. Limited time. 12 taps and short season; 2.2 gal
2019: Very limited time. 7 taps and a short season; 1.8 gals
2020: New Mason 2x3 XL halfway through season; 9 taps 2 gals
2021: Same 2x3, 18 taps, 4.5 gals
2022: 23 taps, 5.9 gals
2023: 23 taps. Added AUF, 13.2 gals
2024: 17 taps, 5.3 gals
All on buckets