Since joining this forum about a month ago I have noticed many threads that contain comments about oak not drying quickly. I split a dead post oak tree last March and the splits endured the windiest spring, and warmest, in recent memory not to mention consistent days of 100* plus in most of June, almost all of July, and a good portion of August. All exposed to sun and wind in the stack. Also, I split a hickory in June--it too was dead.
I am starting this thread because the oak and hickory are showing moisture reading of 6-12% (HF meter) depending on the size of the split. The color looks like well seasoned wood ought to look, but when you keep reading about oak needing to lay out for two or three years that caused me to start this thread. Is it just dead trees plus the long summer that greatly accelerated the process, or is the meter off?
FYI, the burn looks clean and I have no real problems with the sizzle or smoke since I have started to figure out how to use my stove.
Thanks.
I am starting this thread because the oak and hickory are showing moisture reading of 6-12% (HF meter) depending on the size of the split. The color looks like well seasoned wood ought to look, but when you keep reading about oak needing to lay out for two or three years that caused me to start this thread. Is it just dead trees plus the long summer that greatly accelerated the process, or is the meter off?
FYI, the burn looks clean and I have no real problems with the sizzle or smoke since I have started to figure out how to use my stove.
Thanks.