Cypress

From Bwf

Cypressus Lusitanica, also known as Mountain Cypress or Mexican Cypress, is found in high elevations throughout the tropical world. From the sound of the name, you could get the impression that this grand tree grows in all of Mexico, when in fact it grows only in the southern-most tip of Mexico, where the climate is more tropical. Two of the lesser names that this lumber is known as are Cedar of Goa, Portugal Cedar. Christopher J. Earle has determined that Cypressus Lustanica and Cedar of Goa, or Portugal Cedar, are one in the same. http://www.conifers.org/cu/cup/lusitanica.htm

Mountain Cypress, or Cedar of Goa, is raised successfully in plantation settings, typically along mountain slopes throughout Central and South America. Cypress can reach heights in excess of 100 feet, and have diameters of two to three feet. Nevertheless, they grow very slowly, due mainly to the tendency to grow in cold, tropical climates along steep slopes.

The cypress trees resemble pine, however, they have no sap differentiation, and emit a very pleasing aroma. The wood fiber is an attractive amber color, with relatively straight grain and random knots.

Common species for untreated, stain grade wooden fencing are red and white cedar (thuja plicata), and swamp cypress (taxodium distichum). The red cedar has more resistance to insects than its sister white cedar, and has a tendency to bleed due to its moderate sap content. Mountain cypress does not bleed. The old growth swamp cypress is similar to mountain cypress in terms of density, durability, and usage. The biggest difference, however, is that swamp cypress (bald cypress) reflects a vast difference between the heart and sap wood at different ages. Cypress Lusitanica remains consistent throughout the growth cycle of the tree, which is why it is a favorite for plantations in the tropical world.

Cypress is a medium density species. It has a density of .43, which is similar to the commonly traded wood of Spanish Cedar. The Species Poplar is a US reference which is similar in density, elasticity and impact strength to Cypress.

Uses of Cypress

In the tropics of Latin America, young cypress trees are used as Christmas trees. Teenage cypress trees are used for fence posts and corrals, and the older growth trees are used for outdoor furniture and ranchos. Cypress is one of the best known woods for rural and farm uses (posts, corrals, fencing etc) due to its unique resistance to insects, and local problems such as extreme water and fungus. It is also used as a closet wall paneling.

Cypress Fencing

One of the best uses for cypress is in exterior, stain grade, fencing. The species excels in this category due to its unique amber color, which fades gradually into pewter over time. Plus, its natural insect and weather resistant properties render installation and maintenance much less expensive than pine fencing. Other than waxing the exposed end grain, no special treatment or sealants are necessary for exterior preservation.

The lumber dries extremely quickly with only mild checking and deformation. And it is relatively stable in service.

Unique features of this species are: 1-its pleasant aroma; 2-resistance to insects, fungus, and extreme weather at all ages; and 3-no distinction between sap and heartwood.