Tree with Oak Wilt safe to use for smoking?

[Raise]

We have a huge oak tree in our wooded lot next door that has been dying for the last 2 years. We first noticed that it was getting brownish gray patches up and down the bark from the base to about 15-20 feet up the trunk. We also noticed it wasnt leafing anymore. Im not sure what killed the tree or exactly how long it has been dead, but it was clear after the patches and lack of leaves, that it was dead. Well, it just fell about a month ago in a bad storm we had come through. It broke about 1-1/2 to 2 feet from the ground. Well, i didnt know if it was rotten or what, but as i took the chainsaw and began cutting it up, the internal wood looks really good. The first 20 feet of the trunk is still on the ground and uncut, so i am referring to all the wood above 20 feet that looks good. I have started to split it and rack it for smoking and burning, and i figured i would do some research to see if the wood was safe to smoke meat with. Any advice?? Anything i should look for to clear it for smoking??

 

[radioguy]

I would have no problem using this wood, after is is properly seasoned and dried. Mix it with other woods. Dont use punky or soft wood. Debark the wood. Moving oak wilt-infected firewood can spread the disease to healthy oak trees, especially if the wood is freshly cut and contains viable fungal spores.

RG

 

[Raise]

Well, before anyone responds, I did a little
more research and found that the patches could be indicative of either Smooth Patch disease or Hypoxylon Canker disease. If it is the Canker, that is probably what killed the tree, as Smooth Patch is harmless to the tree’s health. In a worst case scenario of Canker, would the wood be safe to smoke meat with?

 

[Raise]

I would have no problem using this wood, after is is properly seasoned and dried. Mix it with other woods. Dont use punky or soft wood. Debark the wood. Moving oak wilt-infected firewood can spread the disease to healthy oak trees, especially if the wood is freshly cut and contains viable fungal spores.

RG

Thanks for the reply RG. I added a response about this potentially being Hypoxylon Canker, and from the images i found on the web, it looks like the probable cause of death. Should i steer clear of it for smoking or should it be safe?

 

[normanaj]

Pics of the wood never hurts.

 

[Raise]

Pics of the wood never hurts.

Yeah i know, sorry guys I’m on the road. I can snap a few pics when i get home and upload them. Thanks!!