my first newbie question

[trotline]

I have a quick question for you guys about wood. My family owns some land and it is full of oak and hickory with a few apple trees. Is there any reason why I shouldn't walk through and gather my own wood? I would know better than to gather rotten or nasty looking wood but I have a few oak limbs down from lightning that seem to be clean. These should be ok to chop up and use, correct? How long should I allow them to dry out before they are good? I have been lurking this board for a couple weeks now and have found tons of good info. I had never even heard of an ABT or a fattie before but my first ones were amazing (by my beginner standards anyway!) Thanks for all the tips.

 

[fire it up]

Hey trotline.
No reason you shouldn't gather up the wood, infact I would be out thee right now collecting it.
Depending on the size of the wood you want to let it season for a year for larger pieces and if smaller branches then 6 months and they should be ready.
Just remember to stack them so they can get airflow, and try to keep them out of the rain.

 

[bmudd14474]

If you have access to those woods then Yes you would want to use them. As for drying time that is going to depend on how big the pieces are. I know usually people say about 9-12 months for normal splits but it you make them smaller is would take less time to dry out.

 

[the dude abides]

I don't see any reason why not. Just make sure you let it dry out for a season. Be sure to read through the stickys in this "Woods For Smoking" section in case you venture off into some other woods that you didn't list.

Welcome to the forum!