Cypress
Cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) is a a moderate-growing Cupressus, preferring between 750 mm and 1000 mm of rainfall per annum and well-drained soils with moderate clay content, although it will tolerate a wide variety of soils.
Table 1: General characteristics for cypress
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Botanical name | Cupressus macrocarpa |
Growth rate in preferred conditions | Moderate |
Estimated rotation length (yr) in preferred conditions to produce 60 cm diameter at breast height | 30+ |
Preferred annual rainfall (mm/yr) | 750–1000 |
Minimum rainfall (mm/yr) | 600 |
Preferred elevation (m) ASL | <500 |
Preferred landscape position | Mid-slope |
Preferred soil | Well drained soils with moderate clay content; tolerant of wide variety of soils. |
Prohibitive soil | Soils prone to periodic waterlogging |
Poor drainage tolerance | Low |
Dry site tolerance | Moderate |
Frost tolerance | Very high |
Pest and disease problems: | Cypress canker |
Table 2: Timber characteristics for cypress
Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
Strength: seasoned timber only | SD7: low |
Durability: in ground | above ground | 3 | 2 |
Drying: green to 12% moisture content | Should be seasoned in air-dried stacks prior to kiln drying. Shrinkage at about 1.6% radial and 3.3% tangential. Less than Pinus radiata. |
Main commercial products | Veneers, boat building, interior and exterior joinery, panelling, exterior decking, cladding, light construction, rails and firewood. |
Bushfire resistance: measured by bushfire attack level (BAL) | Not available |
Least attractive features | Vigorous branching habit. Susceptibility to canker. Very soft timber. |
Most attractive features | Easy to mill, dry and work. A lighter weight timber that is easy to handle and has good natural durability. |
Status as a plantation species in Gippsland | Minor. Some interest in the ovensii hybrid that shows potential with good form and growth rate. |
Note: Timber characteristics and durability are based on Australian Standard: Timber Natural durability ratings (AS 5604–2005). Refer to the Appendix for an explanatory table. Where (?) applied, rating is based on field experience.
Note: Bushfire resistance measurement is based on naturally bushfire resisting timbers, which are those with inherent bushfire-resisting properties. For more information refer to Australian Standard 3959:2018.
Assumptions and notes
- Sites considered for planting contain at least one metre of soil above an impeding layer (e.g., bedrock or layer impenetrable to roots).
- Please note that most (if not all) eucalypts in Gippsland grow best on sheltered sites.
- Overall slow drying time across air and kiln-dried schedules is recommended to minimise drying degrade. This is the best starting point for inexperienced operators.
References
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Boland DJ et. al (1992). Forest trees of Australia. CSIRO Australia.
Bootle KR (1983). Wood in Australia – Types, properties and uses. McGraw Hill, Australia
Carnegie AJ (2002). Field guide to common pests and diseases in eucalypt plantations in NSW. Research and Development Division of State Forests, NSW.
Clarke B, McLeod I and Vercoe T (eds) 2009. Trees for farm forestry: 22 promising species. RIRDC Publication No. 09/015. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.
Mortimer J (2003). A selection of alternative timbers. Taitua Books, NZ.
National Association of Forest Industries (2004). Timber species and properties, revised edition. Timber Manual Datafile P1
Nicholas ID, Gifford HH and Kimberely MO (1997). Siting black walnut. FRI Bulletin no. 188
Phillips C (1996). Insects, diseases and deficiencies associated with eucalypts in South Australia. Primary Industries SA Forests.
Poole B, Waugh G and Yang JL (2017). Potential for growing and processing durable eucalypts in New Zealand. Publication No. SWP-T036. Solid Wood Innovation. Specialty Wood Products Research Partnership.
Reid R (2017). Heartwood. The art and science of growing trees for conservation and profit. Melbourne Books.
Tepper CJ (2002). Plantation eucalypt species for solid wood products – a profile of Eucalyptus muelleriana. Gottstein Fellowship Report for the Gottstein Memorial Trust
Tepper CJ (2008). Site Matching and Establishing Eucalypt Sawlog Species in Southern Australia. In Beadle CL and Brown AG (eds) 2008. Plantation eucalypts for high value timber. RIRDC Publication No. 08/113, Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.