Age of wood

[williambsmoker]

I’ve been offered a large amount cut pecan wood that has been sitting a while, is there a limit on the age of wood to use for smoking?

 

[ravenclan]

The drier the better as long as it is not rotted

 

[Chasdev]

Below 14% moisture content, it will burn too fast. That may or may not be a deal killer as buying good cooking wood is getting harder and harder.

 

[williambsmoker]

Below 14% moisture content, it will burn too fast. That may or may not be a deal killer as buying good cooking wood is getting harder and harder.

It’s been offered “just come and get it”, it’s free.

 

[SecondHandSmoker]

Never turn down free wood even if it takes a little effort on the receiver's part.

 

[kilo charlie]

Go get that wood!

As long as it's not rotten you should be good... curious what's "awhile" though. Seems everyone has a different definition of that.

 

[Chasdev]

If it's still green or wet and you have space to store it for a year or three out of the weather then it's all good.
I find that a dead or dying tree's wood will age faster than a live one that gets cut down or knocked down by a storm.
Live wood will take years to age to 14%, less if cut and split up.

 

[williambsmoker]

Never turn down free wood even if it takes a little effort on the receiver's part.

The tree was brought down by a storm here in East TN, pecan wood can be found. Bark is still on it, still looks pretty good! It’s about 5 miles from my house, and I have a truck!!!!!!