Hot Smoking (190 to 250 degrees F)
For hot smoking, I prefer to use hickory logs cut for the fireplace. This wood is not readily available in California, so my second and third choices would be oak or almond. Do not use green wood as this can impart a bitter aftertaste to smoked meats.
Cold Smoking (70 to 90 degrees F)
I like to use any and all fruitwood branches (peach, apricot, citrus.).