[Sacajaweau]

Cedar has a chemical to it which preserves it and is wjy it is used for fences etc. Generally, once the tree is downed, it is only good for about 100 years and deterioration begins.

I know we treated our cedar posts before we put them in the ground.

[panaxanax]

>”...it (Cedar, Western Red) is only good for about 100 years and deterioration begins.”<

You are correct, there is no way this is 500 years old.

[muawiyah]

http://www.na.fs.fed.us/pubs/silvics_manual/volume_1/chamaecyparis/nootkatensis.htm May be a different species called Alaskan Yellow Cedar