Some of the links on this forum allow SMF, at no cost to you, to earn a small commission when you click through and make a purchase. Let me know if you have any questions about this.
I got a apricot tree in my yard and it needed a major trimming. I figured great cause I can use it for smoking. But I noticed it all had this stuff growing on it. I know its a common growth on most trees and I remember someone here talking about it, but I don't remember if it is safe or not.
From the picture it looks like lichen on the bark. I have some apple wood in the same condition and I take a wire brush to it and knock it off. Not sure you want that smoking into your meat products.
I think porkaholic is correct in his assessment of lichen. I'd heard of lichen but never knew exactly what it was but thanks to this post that intrigued my curiosity now I do.
Thanks for the link. I have been reading all I can on lichens and found that it is used in a lot of commercial products. But that doesn't mean anything at this point. I won't be able to use this wood till next year anyway. I think I will brush it off or give the wood a quick preburn. Finding good fruit wood is hard enough, I can't waste this stuff.