Cypress: pretender to hardwood title

IFYPRESS is a paradox in the Ylumber industrv in that it is considered a hardwood when it really isn't.

Long grouped and manufactured with hardwoods because it grows with them, cypress, despite popular belief, is really a softwood. The confusion is intensified by the fact that cypress is graded under the rules of both the National Hardwood Lumber Association and the Southern Cypress Manufacturers Association. All types of cypress may be graded according to the NHLA rules, but ony tidewater red cypress comes under the jurisdiction of the southern group.

Cypress lumber is well known for its long life and ability to hold paint. Part of its reputation for being one of the most durable woods in America results from the heartwood being naturally resistant to decay and termites. Sapwood does not have the same resistance, although it is extremely durable.

Cypress doesn't normally check or warp. It is one of the most economical woods to paint. Official tests of paint retention qualities put it in a group of specially selected woods which can hold paint longer than most and offer maximum resistance against damage from the elements. Even without the protection of paint, cypress will last for centuries, acquiring a lovely natural color.

Cypress is widely used for both interior and exterior trim, paneling, doors, siding and porch flooring. The lower grades make excellent fencing boards.

Cypress grows mainly in the southern portion of the United States. It is usually found in an area extending from southern Delaware along the Atlantic coastline, through all of Flor- ida, into the Gulf States and up the Mississippi Valley to Indiana.

Cypress roots like water. For this reason it is often found in swamps, river bottoms and sloughs. Much of the tidewater red cypress was inaccessible until helicopter harvesting developed.

Cypress is contradictory in its growth habits in that handsome trees are often found growing in very dry situations in the parks of many cities. Cypress also is one of only two softwoods found in America which shed foliage in the fall like hardwoods. Larch, also known as tamarack. is the other deciduous softwood.

Pecky cypress which is valued by architects for rustic wall paneling, trim, false beams and special woodwork is a grade of cypress. It has many elongated, roundish pits or cavities. These "pecks" are caused by a peculiar fungus which attacks some logs. Pathologists have studied the fungus and its habits, but are uncertain of its origin or life cycle. The fungus attack ceases when the lumber is cut and seasoned. While not :ls strong as other cypress, it is equally durable.

The amount of pecky cypress available commercially is small. Most cypress lumber is straight, sound, fine grained and beautiful. Three ses bf grades are used to cover the requirements for cypress since it is used in industry as well as construction. These grades are yard, factory and structural.

Cypress knees are used by manufacturers of novelties for items such as vases and souvenirs. The knee is a strange conelike growth develop,ed from the root system. It seems to be of value in supporting the tree and aerates the root system by carrying oxygen to it. The wood in the knee is very soft, light and punky.

Story at a Glance

Cypress becomes a hardwood by associalion. .graded under NHLA rules.. .extremely durable...prized for use both inside and out.

Most cypress is felled above the swelling at the base of the trunk since the wood from this area is often inferior. This swelling is common :rmong swamp grown species and offers extra support to roots growing in mud and water.

Although there are only two species, cypress is known by numerous n:unes. The Tbxodium dbtichum spe.cies is identified as gulf cypress, Louisiana red cypress, tidewater red cypress, yellow cypress and white cypress, to name a few. The second species of cypress recognized by the Forest Service is Taxodium dbtichum var. hutans. It is commonly known as pond cypress, but because it is found very seldom and grows very small, it has no commercial value.

NAWLA Annual Meeti ng Theme

Forest product wholsalers and manufacturers will "Face The Future" at the 1986 annual meeting of North American Wholesale Lumber Association, April 28-30 at the Boca Raton Hotel & Club, Boca Raton, Fl.

The meeting coordinator William Sheathelm reports that the program for

D-i-y Growth Set To Take Off

Annual growth of 5.690 through the next five years is seen for do-it-yourself business by Dr. Bert McCammon of the University of Oklahoma.

"There will be explosive growth in d-i-y market potential among the 35-54 age groups, both of which are more aggressive d-i-yers than other segments of the population," he pointed out to some 80 home center and manufacturer executives attending the first executive conference sponsored by the Home Center Institute.

Better store position is needed in order to compete, Brad Farnsworth, director of research services for HCI, stressed, pointing out that consumers evaluate retailers on price, value, convenience, assortment, quality, merchandising and service.

Other discussions at the Nov. 5-7 meeting in Chicago revealed that retailers want more help from manufacturers in encouraging d-i-y activity and teaching them how to do tougher projects. Retailers also feel they will become more involved with the Universal Product Code and electronic ordering. Making people more productive through profit sharing and doing more consumer research are challenges of the future.

this year's convention is built around the concept of strategic planning for the future. Keynote speaker Dr. Gene Stanaland, president of GSE, Inc., will provide some insights into the economy, including a brief history on how we got to where we are today. D. Bruce Merrifield, Jr. will speak at the general session on April 30. An outstanding hit at the 1985 NAWLA annual meeting, he has been invited back to further share his ideas on productivity tactics and fast growth management techniques.

C&DLumberCo.

Managers of Forest Resources and Manufacturers of Wood hoducts

WESTERN CEDAR

Fine Textured, warm and stylish. One of the most durable and decay resistant of American Woods!!l -?-?

KILN DRIED, Csnror Match.SzS-EVlS AIR DRIED, GREEN

BOARDS: Tonsue &

1x2 thru tlt,?;SJo & BTR- -lf-f Center Match-SlS-EV1S

DIMENSION: 2x4 thru 2xl2 STD & BTR2 & BTR-S4S or ROUGH

TIMBERS: T-I

4x4 thru 6x8 STD & BTR- S4S 2 & BTR-S4S or ROUGH

PATTERNS: (wCLBl r"f$T...]l lx4 thru 2x12 CLEAR- T-1 srD & BTR

TIGHT KNOT.

Idewater Red Cypr

The popular manufacturer/service supplier/wholesaler contact session will be held on April 28. This "people program" provides delegates the oppornrnity to make new disribution contacts, renew business relationships and schedule appointments for the balance of the convention. Golf and tennis tournaments, a "Cookhouse Fun Night," and the president's reception and dinner dance will compliment the business sessions. An attendance of 600 to 700 delegates is expected. Dlmenslon

Aso: Southem Yellow Plne

P.O. Drawer 4198, Roclcy Mount, North Carolina 278o1