Different ways to mix it in also. Mix it with a cold load and it will make it a little harder to get things going. Throw a bunch on hot coals and it is a smoke fest until it dries enough the really burn well. Put a couple splits in the middle on a reload over coals and surround it left, right, and top with small dry splits and all the smoke will pass through fire on its way up and you may not even notice that there is smoke.
I’m with others that say split the maple and oak smaller and mix in those pieces throughout. I doubt you’ll notice a piece or two of less seasoned wood especially if you add to hot coals and not when the fire is just starting.
