How long do I let wood season?

[Iron Mike]

Hello all.

I picked up some apple wood this spring that a neighbor of mine trimmed off his tree. Some of my other neighbor's have pear, cherry and grape vines.

The question is, how long should I let these woods season before they are usable for the smoker?

Any feedback will be greatly appreciated!

 

[RichardF]

When I use to season fresh-cut wood, I would season fruitwood for 3 or 4 months, not nearly as long as I would season hickory or oak.

 

[Bbq Bubba]

Take 2 pieces and knock them together.
It should have a dull thud, sounds like a broken bat, thats when they're good!

Hardwoods usually 6 months.
Fruit woods dry faster.

 

[MilitantSquatter]

Take 2 pieces and knock them together.
It should have a dull thud, sounds like a broken bat, thats when they're good!

Hardwoods usually 6 months.
Fruit woods dry faster.

yeah.. what he said !!

Keep them off the ground too.

 

[ZILLA]

Let them season for 3 years. Fruit wood 6 mos. in a completely dry space.

 

[jestridge]

I say about 6 months the stuff I use have ben kiln dried

 

[gotwood]

1 year per inch thick

 

[Mo-Dave]

I like my wood as fresh as I can get it. I try to have it all used up in less than 6 months so never buy or cut very much at a time. Thing to remember though is I use it sparingly when it is still green and a little more the older it gets.
Dave

 

[ipls3355]

Holy carp! There is a wide range of answers here.

 

[ZBQ]

1 year per inch thick

Wow, I have several chunks of maple out there that are close
to 30" in diameter and about 20 inches long.........

Guess I will won't be using them till I'm in my 70's!!:shock:

 

[ZBQ]

Take 2 pieces and knock them together.
It should have a dull thud, sounds like a broken bat, thats when they're good!

Hardwoods usually 6 months.
Fruit woods dry faster.

I'm with Steve on this one.

 

[Bbq Bubba]

1 year per inch thick

Wrong kinda wood.......

 

[tony76248]

I think it all depends on the type of wood and whether it is split or not but all in all I would say one season is appropriate, that is what all of the pre-sacked wood is.

 

[Mark]

Mike:

I harvest Bradford pear all the time. The first thing I do is cut, split & chunk into final size for smoker. That way, its dry enough in about 3 months.