natural (cedar) landscape timper longevity
 

hey all,

i had an eastern white cedar break during the ice storm two years ago,
leaving a branchless trunk ~25ft tall and ~18in diameter (at the base). it
never resprouted, so i cut it down. i now have 3 sections ~8' long that i
plan to have split lengthwise at a sawmill, giving me ~50ft of semi-circular
log to use as stairs.

any idea how long i can expect seasoned eastern white cedar to last in
contact with the ground?

any suggestions on a place that could split them for me (convenient to
chapel hill)?

thanks,

dookie