Cypress tree removal possible usage ideas

Hi there,

we have a tree line of about 6-8 quite mature and high cypress trees. During the wintertime, they shade the lawn and house area quite noticeably.
We are wondering if we could cut them down to about 2/3m height and use the remaining trunk as posts for building. We came across something called a snag to start planting and using the area again.
Does anyone have any experience and suggestions on what to do and how to best approach the project?

Many thanks in advance.

If possible, please provide more detail. Height is relative, 20 feet or 40?  Could you post a photo or two?

A snag is a dead tree broken off at some height in a forest, which serves the ecosystem in many ways. Topping a row of living trees would not likely serve similar purposes.

You say "use the remaining trunk as posts for building". Are you talking about using the harvested trunks as part of a building, or building on the trunks that are in the ground? If the trees are currently shading your house, it would seem that building there would have the same issues.

Just a quick note that Cypress wood makes great lumber will last 40 years+ (our barn lasted 75 years)

Make sure you seal the ends somehow and it will last even longer.

My suggestion would be to get someone local who has experience cutting down trees.

This person might be called an arborist and can answer your questions.  This person might also know someone who could mill the wood for you.

I believe if the tree are only partially cut down it is very possible that they will continue to prosper.

Thank you for the replies.

We would like to cut them down to the height shown in the picture.
But keep the trunks as wind/nosy-eyes shelter.
Now the question is what could we do with the trunks that looks appealing and is useful for nature.  

Thorsten, have you considered the fact that lowering the trees may destroy the windbreak effect?

Is this a DIY effort?  If so please be cautious,  climbing gear and rope for chainsaw efforts are better than being on a ladder.  Cypress native to my state is rock hard, yours might be also, so be ready to stop for sharpening the chain.  Best of luck

Thorsten Bux wrote:Hi there,

we have a tree line of about 6-8 quite mature and high cypress trees. During the wintertime, they shade the lawn and house area quite noticeably.
We are wondering if we could cut them down to about 2/3m height and use the remaining trunk as posts for building. We came across something called a snag to start planting and using the area again.
Does anyone have any experience and suggestions on what to do and how to best approach the project?

Many thanks in advance.

Sure, you can but cypress trunks which should stand like a post will probably rot gradually f you don't take care of them.
Many people pull them all up or leave a few for wildlife snags, planting around the orders.
If you want to use the trunks for structure, make sure they are around dry and well sealed.

Thorsten Bux wrote:Thank you for the replies.

We would like to cut them down to the height shown in the picture.
But keep the trunks as wind/nosy-eyes shelter.
Now the question is what could we do with the trunks that looks appealing and is useful for nature.  

I am guessing that you want the shortened trees to look more appealing until they leaf back out?

I am also guessing this is about 5 or 6 feet (us)?

Why not plant some pretty flowers there?  Black oil sunflowers grow tall and furnish food for birds, you, etc.

Joe Pye Weed will be pretty and feed monarch butterflies.