Applewood Question

ICDEDTURKES · BBQ Fan Joined: 23 Jun 2011 Posts: 123

New Guy here just posted an intro.. Thanks everyone for the insight in the past..

One of the properties I hunt I have been given permission to prune the 20 or so mature never pruned apple trees.. These trees are big and bushy and in need of some serious pruning..

My question lies in the fact that some of the branches are dead with no growth or leaves.. How do I determine if these dead branches are ready for the smoker or even salvageable..

Thanks

SoEzzy · Posted: Jun 23 2011 Post subject:

Salvagable is easier, if you cut them down and they don't turn to dust, they are salvagable.

Ready for the smoker is more fine tuned.

If you have a moisture meter, you are looking for less than 23%, if you don't have a meter, the tried and true method I use is the "Line Drive", take two pieces of wood, whack one against the other, if you get a thunk they still have too high a moisture content, if you get them to sing like a good 'line drive' does with a crack, then all is good!
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ICDEDTURKES · BBQ Fan Joined: 23 Jun 2011 Posts: 123

Thanks I do not have a moisture meter but have read on here about the sound method.. Thanks...

Johnds · Newbie Joined: 03 May 2011 Posts: 43

I have an apple tree that I removed a dead branch from this spring. It was dead, grey and dry looking from the outside, but a cross section cut of the 5" thick branch showed a very healthy interior and made great smoking chunks. If the wood is in good shape, the chunks will look and smell good.

John

ICDEDTURKES · BBQ Fan Joined: 23 Jun 2011 Posts: 123

Cut some dead limbs tonight some are ready to rock and some are needing some aging.. 2 trees and already have enough for 2 years.. Got another 18 or so trees to go

Smoky Bro · Posted: Jul 13 2011 Post subject:

nice score!

we are in apple country -- probably a dozen big orchards within 10 miles of here, plus lots of random trees on people's property. we use apple wood almost exclusively and it works great for smoking. burns forever, nice mellow flavor & good color on the meat. sounds like you got enough to last for long time!!