bald cypress collecting trip #1 for 2021
Sneak Peek
Happy New Year! Time to go collect some new BC’s.
Bald Cypress Collecting Trip #1 for 2021
I don’t like this time of year at all, but then again it’s the best time to collect Bald cypress. The weather was cool, the rain passed on New Year’s eve, so you couldn’t ask for better.
This is the largest specimen of the 11 we brought home today. The base is about 5″ across, and it’s chopped a bit tall at 29″. Good fluting on the trunk, and outstanding taper. I’m seeing formal upright all the way with this one.
This is another nice specimen, with a base of 3.5″ and also good fluting. I really like the trunk movement. But this one has an unusual feature I’m not sure whether to keep or not.
You probably noticed that odd root jutting out on the right side. The single jutting root doesn’t do anything for most BC’s, but this one has a “proto-knee” on it where it emerges from the trunk. I’ll call it an elbow. Does it stay or does it go? I imagine I’ll let whoever buys it make that choice.
Here’s another good size tree, with a trunk base of 4″ and chopped at 28″. It’ll make a fine informal upright, or even a nice flat-top.
And the final example for today, a smaller specimen that has some great movement and graceful taper. I chopped this one long on purpose; it’s definitely destined for the flat-top design.
We’ll be back out next week for more BC’s. In the meantime, let me know what you think about these.
Looking good!Need to come see you soon.
Sounds good, John. If you give it a few more weeks I’ll have a lot more cypresses by then.
Nice trees! I’ve just begun collecting a few bald cypresses (I am in SE TX, similar to your region). Where do you put your freshly collected BCs? I’m unsure whether I should shelter them in my unheated shed or just leave them on the ground somewhere that the wind isn’t too bad.
Caleb, I don’t worry about winter protection unless temps fall below about 25F. At that point they go on the ground. Otherwise, they stay on the bench.