Wood ID, Please

[dougand3]

Fellow dropped a tree 2 months ago. No leaves but said it produced nuts. 14" diam and a 16" tall round is HEAVY. Is this hickory? Thanks, Doug

 

[PA. Woodsman]

Looks like Shellbark Hickory to me-great stuff!

 

[Lakeside]

Yup, looks like Shagbark hickory.
Get split & stacked + 2 yr . The bugs really liked mine.

 

[Soundchasm]

I've only had pignut and bitternut, and my experience is if it is in contact with the ground it will NEVER dry out. It will punk out and turn to sponge, and the weight of the punky stuff might fool you into thinking much of a round is good when it isn't. But the good stuff is excellent. It won't dry out in a year, either!

My experience might change if I ever get a hold of a tree that was healthier when it came down.

 

[dougand3]

Thanks, guys. A friend wants some for smoking on the gas grill. How long of a drying time for 2" chunks? Or can you use right away and just have moisture in the grill?

 

[BrotherBart]

I find if ya don't dry the stuff what I call creosote from the wood gives a nasty taste to the food. Burning it for a while before adding the meat lets it burn that stuff off. You can tell by the smell when it is ready.

If it smells like creosote, have another beer before tossing the meat on the grill.

 

[dougand3]

BB, that makes sense.