Cut sticks can be ready to use from just a few months to as much as a year, depending on when you cut them, the type of wood, etc. Springtime is worse because the tree is filling with more liquid to facilitate growth. When I cut sticks, I never lean them in a corner. I hang them from the rafters separately or tie them into small bundles so they don't warp while they dry. I cut them long and trim then up after drying. Some sticks will warp or crack to the point of being unusable. It is just a hit and miss sometimes.MD Dog said:So I wanna cut some stick wood this weekend. How long should I dry them before trying to work them ?