Hi! Cheryl, There are a number of timbers called "cypress". Some are pretty durable while others less so. Soil type can also be a factor. So local knowledge is required. A timber that will stand in an acid soil may not last in alkaline and vice versa. More information would be required.
The Native Pines, Callitris sap. include a number of very durable ones. I have slept in a "Pine Hut", built from Callitris, that was over a hundred years old. The round poles, still with the bark, were stood in a trench, later back filled. Holes for doors and windows allowed and a "bush timber" roof structure fitted with galvanized iron covering. The walls were covered with chicken wire netting and plastered with mud, then white washed. A bag ceiling fitted, also white washed. A tamped clay floor, sealed with fresh cow poo, was still in use with little damage. Many farms and stations in the lower rainfall areas are fenced with Callitris posts and they last from sixty to one hundred years. Callitris is a preferred timber for skirting boards and architrave's in areas subject to termites as it is termite resistant. The main problem with treated pine is the pollution in the manufacture, or if burnt. During actual use there is little problem. If stock are found to lick or chew it, that is a sign of a serious mineral deficiency. Gil Cheryl Kemp wrote: > For Gil and Lloyd, > I have had this question from a new member, and just looking over the > discussion on the eucalyptus and wood, thought you may have some suggestions > for this lady, other than using treated pine timber. I thought that cypress > pine might be of use, what do you think! > Thanks > Cheryl. > > Cheryl Kemp > Education and Workshop Coordinator > BDFGAA > Phone /Fax : 02 6657 5322 > Home: 02 6657 5306 > email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > web: www.biodynamics.net.au > > Subject: Questions on posts for our orchard & chook yards > > > Hi > > > > I have a couple of questions on poles for our orchard. > > > > We intend seeking certification in the future but are currently building > > the infrastructure on our property. Because of bird and flying fox > > problems locally we intend to cover our orchard (we have seen flying foxes > > caught in nylon bird netting and won't be using that) and the chook yard > > when we eventually build one. > > > > 1. Will using treated upright posts to minimise rotting and termite damage > > prevent us being certified in the future? > > 2. If it will, what woods to you suggest to maximise protection against > rot > > and ants? > > > > I have heard that things like turpentine are good - but then I don't know > > if you can nail into it. > > > > Would you be able to respond over the next week or so as we need to order > > some woods in. > > > > Regards > > > > Katherine Buchanan > > 02 6219 3024 (w) > > 02 6241 3991 (h) > > > > > >
