Cupressus sempervirens/Mediterranean cypress

I always loved Cupressus.
I am fond of their upright stature and dense dark green foliage.
So, I thought I would like to share with you the view of some aged Cypress trees from my balcony.


These are old trees I remember them since I can remember myself (now aged 65 y.o.) and they were the same old, tall trees!
They are about 57 trees growing there.
   
But the place back when I was a little girl was not like this. There was a dry stream where there is the paved walk and those buildings were orchard gardens.
So, when the stream was covered and infilled in order the buildings to be built you can understand that the towering trees were burried at their lower part and their height was decreased.

Look how those trunks are engulfing the cement wall!
   

These two trunks are the oldest of all the trees.
#1   #2

Two shots from underneath towards the apex
 

The following are dead trees. One has already been cut down and the other next to it is also dead.
Look at the hollow heart of the trunk!



There is definitely some kind of disease on some of the trees. Unfortunately no one is caring for them...

And the last shots are from the terrace of the block of flats I am living.
 

MAGNIFICENT TREES !!!

Hello Alexandra,

thanks for taking the time to post these beautiful tree images,
and views of where you live..

Two points -
[1] Seed, if you can get ---- take a record of how you germinated them.
So if you send out seed, it does not turn into a hit and miss situation.
Especially with the time lag in the post.

[2] You know the Italians call this the male tree.
And the broad open one is the female.

That said what design do you have in mind ?

A single tree or a forest?

I was looking to share, as I grew up with a much younger version of these
trees in the front yard, but I searched and could not find an image.
Apologies.
Until.
Khaimraj

Hello Kevin,
Thank you for your comment.

Hello Khaimraj,
One thing makes me wonder... the fact that for so many years I haven't seen any seedling sprouting under the trees.
Is it because the seeds are difficult to germinate...? Is it something else...?
However the opposite applies for Pines.
From what I have read on the internet Cypress seeds germinate relatively easy after they have been stratified.

I have not tried to sow Cypress seeds so far and for the time being I am growing some cuttings and the pine seedlings apart from the trees in training and one or two trees for future projects... I water everything by hand using a fine misting pressure pump. So I know unfortunately I will not be able to respond to the care of any new activity...

The pictures show a lot of concrete surrounding the cypress trees. A pity, as they are magnificent specimens. The invading concrete may be contributing to the lack of new growth. The dead and dying are somewhat historically accurate of encroaching "civilization" effects: crippling lack of moisture and further root development. Aah, progress!

Appreciation and admiration for the elder trees doesn't only happen in the forest or the bonsai exhibition. It happens everywhere there are trees. A humble thank you for reminding me to see what is before me every day.

"Oldman" and "Coppersdad" thank you both for your comments.
Considering : a) your nickname and b) your age (72) I would dare say this is the reason for your words of wisdom, the mature experience of life...
Urban sprawl, unregulated use of land, intensive urbanisation, industrialisation are some of the causes for such regrettable phenomena (at least in my country)