Usually, writes Ken Schuster, he taps his sugar maples in March, though years ago he made it into April before temps warmed enough. In a letter to Daybreak, he writes that ideal tapping weather is 40-50 ℉ during the day, and well below freezing at night.

“So, here we are, mid-February 2023, and those temps have been with us for days, and are expected to continue at least for another week. What do I do? I got the urge to ask ChatGPT, in the manner of The Bard. Here’s the result:

“My question: Ask an expert if it is better to tap maple trees for syrup now, in February, or wait until next month, in the style of Shakespeare.

“ChatGPT’s answer, including proper formatting :

Oh, wondrous expert of the maple tree,

I seek your counsel on a sweet decree.

Is it better to tap the tree in February's chill,

Or should I wait for March to work my will?

Forsooth, I am torn betwixt these two,

And seek the wisdom that is known to few.

So tell me, dear expert, which course to take,

And which fair month shall bring the sweeter make?”

For what it’s worth, Daybreak put the question straight up to ChatGPT. Here’s what it said:

The timing of maple sugaring can depend on several factors, including the weather, geography, and local traditions. Typically, maple sugaring season begins when temperatures rise above freezing during the day and fall below freezing at night. This fluctuation in temperature creates pressure that causes sap to flow up from the roots and into the tree's branches, where it can be collected.

If the warm temperatures in your area have caused the sap to start flowing earlier than usual, it may be worth starting your maple sugaring process now. However, it's also important to consider the long-term forecast to make sure the temperatures will remain conducive to sap flow. If there's a sudden drop in temperature or an extended cold snap, it could interrupt or even end the maple sugaring season.

It may be helpful to consult with local experts or other maple syrup producers in your area to get a better idea of the best timing for maple sugaring in your particular region.

Asked if it actually meant to write that sap can be collected from tree branches, it responded: