"Dave Bugg" > wrote in message
>> Bark on or off? I've seen reports of both ways but, is there any
>> consensus by the experts?
>
> If the bark is tight to the log, I leave it on. If it is loose, I remove
> it due to funky stuff, like dirt and insects and fungi, which get trapped.
> --
> Dave www.davebbq.com

Agree with Dave. Some woods, like oak, have a thick bark that may be loaded
with fungus and other forest growth and it should be removed. Apple has a
thin tight bark so I just leave it on. As for age, I've used it from an hour
off the tree to years old with good results. Ditch the twigs though.
--
Ed
http://pages.cthome.net/edhome/