permaculture

[Heide Hermary <heidehermary@pacificcoast.net>]

It does depend on the climate and soil conditions
Here in the Pacific Northwest red cedar (Thuja plicata) will stand up 
really well - unprotected by chemicals - as long as it is not in direct 
soil contact. It can last for decades, depending on the thickness of the 
material. However in soil contact, with our high precipitation rate and 
warm climate, it rots within a few years.

Many years ago I installed a fence at my parents' place in Northern 
Germany, literally pure sand soil, using untreated pine posts set 
directly into the ground.I did this on my father's instructions, against 
my "better judgement".  No sign of rot at all.
Heide

Scott Vlaun wrote:

> Rick,
> Up here in Maine everyone uses Cedar for posts. I believe it's Eastern 
> White Cedar (Thuja occidentalis)I've never looked into establishing a 
> planting as I've got a bunch growing on my land. I've even sawn some 
> up and used it to make benches for my outdoor hot tub and it's held up 
> well.
>
> Scott Vlaun
> Western Maine USA
> On Monday, October 7, 2002, at 02:31 PM, Rick Valley wrote:
>
>     My question remains: What tree species do people recommend for
>     rot-resistant
>     timber in cool temperate zones? I don't want to rely on big companies
>     providing me with toxics just to have a fence post that lasts
>     longer than 5
>     years.
>
>     -Rick
>
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