dead orchard wood

[fritz]

I have access to an old apple orchard. most of the trees have been dead for some years(20-30). Will that wood have any flavor?

Thanks

 

[Geir Widar]

I have never tried. But I think this is a bad idea. I have used old wood +- 50 years as firewood, and there is no energy left. Wood can be stored for many years, but I think this is over the limit by far.

 

[Curt]

As unscientific as it might be, when it comes to old wood, absent things like stains or mold or signs of pest activity, I use the "does it weigh what it should" test. If I pick up a chunk of wood and it just feels too light, there's likely been substantial deterioration of the wood, and I won't use it. Note that this works best on log-sized pieces of wood.