Its been a busy 2 days at the Don’s Sugar Shack store. Lots of excitement and people getting ready to tap and that are tapping.  Early reports have been  that some trees are running a little bit,  but most have not started yet.  Trees in full sun, southern exposure seem to have the most sap in the buckets or bags.   There have not been any reports of full bags of sap or even half full bags. So no big sap run yet.

I think I  am going to start tapping next weekend, which seems a little early yet from the calendar perspective . In my opinion, waiting till the end of next week will give the trees a chance to thaw out and if the 10 day forecast looks  favorably warm on Thursday,  then I definitely will start next Friday or Saturday.  If there is a cold snap though, then I think I will wait for the end of that cold snap putting us at March 14, 15 time frame.

When tapping the trees with the 5/16 ” drill bit,  make sure you drill in a straight line  and slightly upward.  If hold the drill or pull out the bit at an angle the bit will instantly snap off.  The thickness of the shank at the flutes is less than 3/16 of an inch, so they break easily.   This usually happens right at the beginning of tapping.  Also, the  tapping bit flutes are sharp and they will tend to “Pull” the drill bit and it will actually seem like the bit is screwing itself right into the tree.  So go slow at first.  I always feel sad when I  break a new 21.00 dollar drill bit on the first or second tree.

Enjoy this beautiful sunny day

Don

We are getting closer to Syrup season and I have had a lot of calls about tapping.  Its going to be near 40 degrees again this weekend and should I be tapping?   Well that depends on alot of factors.  How many taps do you have to put in?  How curious are you if the sap is running? Are you willing to give up the later season for an earlier one?   For me and our 2500 taps this weekend still seems early as the forecast calls for colder weather after Sunday again.  So one week from now will look like the identical weather we are having today.  Cold sun and temps in the low 20s during the day.   Now one could tap next Sat and Sunday and most likely will get some sap.   But, will it be enough to cook?   Maybe, I am waiting till after next weeks cold spell to see what the 10 day forecast is.   March 10 looks to be the day I will start tapping which is a little early but because there is no Frost in in the ground it may start early.

Don

Wow… a month has passed since I last posted, the winter is fading fast and we will be closing in on tapping time.  Now the forecast for next weekend  has a couple of 40’s in it and everyone will  be anxious to drill  holes in trees.  Depending on the 10 day forecast when we get to next weekend, I would resist tapping.  If you have tubing that’s another story, however if you use bags and buckets, I would wait.   I intend to use this early spell of 40’s forecast for next weekend setting up my evaporator, rinsing tanks and assembling the Reverse Osmosis.  There was only one year in the last 22 that I missed an early run and that was March 1, 2017.   I wish I had a nickel for everyone who told me I should have my buckets out.  Oh well, 1 in 22 is not too bad.

Have a great week and if you need supplies be sure to give me a call.  I am open 8-5, Monday through Saturday, and often here Sunday afternoon.

Don