Smoke Wood Seasoning Question


 
JSchlegelmilch

JSchlegelmilch

TVWBB Pro
I have a few sugar maple trees in my yard and I usually use the branches that fall in storms, etc for firewood. If I were to cut one up for smoking, how long do you let it season for? How long is too long, or is there such a thing?

-Jeff
 
How big are these branches we're talking about? Had the same thing happen to me. After I cut and split them, I waited 6 months till I used them.
 
I use maple from my yard all the time. I let it sit for at least 6 months before using it. Between cooking and bonfires it's never around more than 1 year.
 
The only wood I get "green" is some oak that I take off the firewood pile at my folks' cabin and some sort of plum that I got from a friend who cut down an ornamental tree in his yard. I don't make any effort to season it unless it's really green, and even then if I have to use it right away I just chunk or split it up smaller so it smokes at the rate I want it to.
 
Bobby P said:
How big are these branches we're talking about? Had the same thing happen to me. After I cut and split them, I waited 6 months till I used them.
Click to expand...

The branches vary in size, but I will probably just cut some discs that are about fist size chunks or larger ones that I can just split with the hatchet. Sounds like the 6 months is about right from yours and other responses. Thanks everyone!

Anyone have any thoughts about how long is too long? Probably won't be an issue as there is at least a decent branch or two every year...but would be good to know when if it can be over dried?
 
Split your fist sized chunks in half and they'll be ready in 4-8 weeks( yes, I said weeks) depending on drying conditions. I have a moisture meter and from green to seasoned for split chunks takes 8 weeks max in the winter in Maine, less in summer. YMMV.
 
Whole logs will take six months or more, but if you cut it I to chunks before drying I agree it will be much faster , a month or two.
 
JSchlegelmilch said:
The branches vary in size, but I will probably just cut some discs that are about fist size chunks or larger ones that I can just split with the hatchet. Sounds like the 6 months is about right from yours and other responses. Thanks everyone!

Anyone have any thoughts about how long is too long? Probably won't be an issue as there is at least a decent branch or two every year...but would be good to know when if it can be over dried?
Click to expand...

if you store the wood indoors and it stays dry , it'd be good for years , I bet.i can't see it ever getting too dry.... Outdoors , I wouldn't count on more than 2 years 3 tops before it starts getting punky.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

 

Back
Top