Replies

1. 
   jazzdogg | Mar 30, 2005 05:39am | #1

   John,

   Others may disagree, but I'd chip them into landscape mulch or burn them in the fireplace, although you could probably use them for small lathe projects if you're tenacious enough to bother removing all of those pesky branches.  Not much harvestable wood.

   My $0.02,

    

   -Jazzdogg-

   Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, you're right.

2. 
   Lightman | Mar 30, 2005 06:15am | #2

   John,

   Haven't ever seen any cypress that looked like that.  Looks more like a cedar/juniper type tree.

   Having lived in CA for several years a long time ago I never remember ever seeing any cypress. Not saying that it isn't cypress. Don't know how it would survive in such a dry climate.

   Wouldn't think there is enough there to do much with, regardless.

   Good luck

   Jimmy

   as always I wish you enough

3. 
   nikkiwood | Mar 30, 2005 07:29am | #3

   I think Jazzdogg is right about the amount of harvestable wood in these trees.

   But if they were mine, I think I would cut off the branches, strip the bark, and set them aside (under cover, but so they could air dry). After a time, I would take my bandsaw to them and see what kind of wood they would yield. Might be some nice small projects in those trees that would be fun to build -- e.g. little boxes, lamps, picture frames, etc.

   If that doesn't work out, you can always cut them up for firewood.

4. 
   Miami | Mar 30, 2005 04:55pm | #4

   My first thought, when reading the replies, was - are they crazy?  Cypress is nice!  The I saw the pictures ... a quick spin through Google image search turns up two very different-looking trees, one the 'cypress' known to US Southerners - grows in stagnant water, has 'knees,' etc.  Another (the kind you have) looks to be native to the Mediterranean and other dry climes.  I guess it is justbarely possible these are the same species, and the growth pattern depends on the climate - but I'm betting otherwise.  I think these are two entirely different species that use the same name (like the many varieties of 'rosewood' and 'mahogany') .

   Below, the image 'cypress' is the Southern swamp tree.  The one labelled 'three-cypress' (taken in Italy) is what you seem to have - and I agree - to me, that latter (and yours) look like a juniper.

   If you have time, how about you send a leaf to your county extension office, they can tell you the latin name for what you have, and then you can decide from there?

   Clay

   
5. 
   ned7 | Mar 30, 2005 08:56pm | #5

   John,
   I don't think you will get much usable board footage either, but if you have the space, I would consider holding on to a few lengths. I also think it looks like some kind of juniper (or yew?). It should make for some fun turnings, or maybe some interesting panels. I would not burn it, most evergreens put out too much junk and don't burn hot enough. This will require more frequent cleanings of the chimney.