What kind of tree is this?

[petebucy4638]

This is a common tree in NC, but I can't remember what it is. One of my neighbors cut one down over a year ago and stacked the logs between a couple of trees. After all that time, I can't see any splits in these logs. I was thinking about seeing how they turned on a lathe, but I thought that I would ask if how this wood turns, just in case there were problems with this timber.

 

[wndopdlr]

my guess would be Cedar. Makes beautiful turnings and the smaller limbs can be used for Christmas trees, snow men, etc.

 

[creasman]

Looks like a Leyland Cypress. Builders are fond of planting these as a visual break.

 

[holcombej]

Jim, as close together as those are planted, I’d agree that they are Leylands. Got a few myself. Couple are past their prime and might have to take them down and throw em on the lathe.

 

[Roy G]

Pete, whenever you see some wood that's a suitable size and not too far gone, go ahead and turn a piece. Sometimes it's a pleasure to turn and other times it's a learning experience.

Roy G

 

[Jim M.]

Definitely Leyland Cypress, fast grower, but weak rooted. Rarely make it past that size on the coast due to winds. Wood looks interesting when cut, might be worth a turn.

 

[petebucy4638]

Definitely Leyland Cypress, fast grower, but weak rooted. Rarely make it past that size on the coast due to winds. Wood looks interesting when cut, might be worth a turn.

I recognized the name as soon as I saw it. We had trees that looked a lot like this when I lived in Florida. They were some variety of cedar, but they were much smaller trees than Leyland Cypress. I saw a video on YouTube of someone turning this wood into a vase. It appeared to turn well, the woodturner made no complaints about the quality of the timber.