Dead red oak limbs? Pre-seasoned?

[Hunter8282]

Would you consider these dead red oak limbs to be seasoned? As in if I collected a bunch of it it could be burned this coming winter in a Blaze King Stove?

 

[stoveliker]

If you split it, measure it in the fresh surface it reads 20 % now, then yes....

 

[ericm979]

In my climate and with my tree species, standing dead is rarely dry enough to burn and its even less likely when on the ground.

 

[ClintonH]

I had a 20" diameter red oak a few years ago find its way to my house: the top of the tree split and burned just fine that year. Toward the bottom it had more moisture in it and needed a year to season.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

Be very careful dropping a dead tree. Branches are not called widowmakers because it sounds cool.

 

[stoveliker]

My point was that you have to get data; assuming it's good (or still too wet) has a decent probability of getting it wrong and either waiting longer than needed or burning wood that's too wet.

The question "is this dry enough" doesn't have a generic answer in this case.

 

[Eman85]

Will they be seasoned?, probably not to their fullest. Can you burn it?, yes it will burn and keep you warm but not as good as seasoned wood. If it was all I had I would burn it, and I would check my stove and chimney often. Start stockpiling and get a few years ahead and you won't have to worry in the future.

 

[EatenByLimestone]

If you split it down to kindling size and leave it in the dun and wind it’ll probably get dry enough.

Toothpicks dry faster than rounds!

 

[ispinwool]

I agree with using a moisture meter. It takes the guesswork out of it. They aren't
all that expensive and they will last for ages.