How to Collect Cypress Wood

Cypress trees are most commonly found in wetland areas.

The cypress tree -- specifically, baldcypress and pond cypress -- is found most often in wetlands and along waterways in the southern United States. Cypress is popular for use in construction, furniture, mulch and even as a firewood. Collecting cypress wood for your own use requires a certain amount of knowledge about the trees as well as an understanding of local and state laws, because cypress trees are protected in some areas. Does this Spark an idea?

Things You'll Need

• Ax or chainsaw

Instructions

1. Learn how to identify cypress wood and tell it apart from other types of wood. Cypress wood can range in color from tan to a deep reddish brown. The tree is an evergreen and the leaves are similar to those of a pine tree but are not as pointy. The tree may have a wide base and roots that extend into the water but protrude every so often.

2. Go into wetland areas and look for cypress trees. Swamps and wetland areas in the southern United States are most likely to have cypresses.

3. Gather branches and limbs that have fallen off the tree. Do not cut a tree down unless you have express permission to do so and are not violating any laws.

Tips & Warnings

• You can purchase cypress wood from an assortment of lumber supply companies. Cypress wood with a smooth grain and few or no knots is considered to be the most valuable.

• In some areas it is illegal to cut down cypress trees and you may face legal fines or penalties for doing so.

• Don't confuse cypresses found in the United States with the more ornamental and landlocked forms found in Europe.

References

• University of Florida: Cypress: Florida's Majestic and Beneficial Wetlands Tree; Mary L. Duryea, L. Annie Hermanse
• University of Minnesota: Selecting Wood for Outdoor Structures
• 2020 Site: Cypress Trees