crab apple wood for smoking

had to take out a small crab apple. trunk is 3 - 4 inches.

was wondering if it would be any good for smoking brisket and baby back ribs. if so does it have to have the bark removed. also is it ok to use while still fresh.

thanks for any input
Ranger R61

Well Burn my Biscuits! I had crab apples on the tree yesterday when I was mowing and now I just checked and the critters got them ALL! Yes I use my crab apple tree wood with bark on, sawed, chopped, seasoned in chucks for smoking and can't tell the difference from regular apple wood. Having said that, I CAN'T pick-up the blackberry or French oak under tones in the wine I drink either :)).
Good Luck!

I have used crab apple wood on chickens entered in competion. Did not remove bark but I like the wood seasoned for a couple months. It is a fairly mild smoke.

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Originally Posted by heavyfoot

Well Burn my Biscuits! I had crab apples on the tree yesterday when I was mowing and now I just checked and the critters got them ALL! Yes I use my crab apple tree wood with bark on, sawed, chopped, seasoned in chucks for smoking and can't tell the difference from regular apple wood. Having said that, I CAN'T pick-up the blackberry or French oak under tones in the wine I drink either :)).
Good Luck!

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There isn't any difference. There might be a bit with wood from closely related pear trees though, I don't know. Mountain ash might also be good if pear is. They are close enough related to hybridize.