Random questions:

 

Is it invasive?

No, the Empress tree is not invasive.

There are 23 species of Paulownia (the biological name of the Empress tree). The one that is most commonly known is the Paulownia tomentosa and this happens to be the only invasive variety. We use only non-invasive species and the trees we grow are only from mother stock. This means they are unable to reproduce without a human hand to help.

Where is it native to?

The tree is native to China – however, we have good reason to believe it has North American roots. In fact, the oldest known fossils of the tree were found in the United States. Dating to 40,000 years ago, fossils have been found from Washington State and Alabama. However, the tree does not like the cold and it was wiped out in the ice ages.

The Chinese re-introduced the Empress tree to North America 200 years ago. All the research to date shows that the tree plays nicely with other species.

Source: Carbon Offsets World Tree.com

Fast Growing Trees

Here are  a few pics from our 3 y.o. Paulownias, taken quickly before the leaves begin to drop!

Mike and the young Fortunas.

They are looking great!  Measuring 31" at base, 12 foot to start of crown.

Even bigger!

These trees are good for environment, fast-renewing lumber crop, low water requirements, LOVE heat, and make great shade if that's all you  are looking for.

See more:


For US info feel free to contact Mike mikelammons@gmail.com

3/4 year update: GROWING!

Elongatas: Planted May, 2011
Cut to ground March 2013
Pic taken Jan 2015

We continue to get requests for info from all over the world on these trees. This month marks our 4th year in this project and we were only looking for a few fast growing shade trees. Had no idea of the world wide demand for this wood and now we have 415 trees planted and will add another 100 or so this summer.

Elongatas, Fortunas, Kawakamis: Planted June 2012
Cut to ground March 2013
Pic taken Jan 2015

In ground 2 1/2 years

Our trees go dormant in October and lose their elephant leaves at first freeze.
They start waking up mid February when blooms start popping out and leaves follow.

Elongata: Planted May 2011
Cut Down March 2013
Pic taken March 2014

These trees luv super hot sun and grow from leaves. We measure and document height and width growth. One tree grew one foot per week in July and August and grew 3 3/4" in width from 6/5/14 to 8/12/14.

Fortunas:  planted May 2013 and cut to ground in March 2014
This pic taken July 2014-   4 months after cutting.

Thanks for checking our site and send email, text or call regarding our trees.

Mike Lammons


Michael R. Lammons
Pacific Coast Manager
Merchant Guard

559 824 3254 Cell & Text
Mikelammons@gmail.com
Barb's blog:
Merchantguard.blogspot.com


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California drought can't stop these gorgeous trees!

440 trees now growing:  here's a pic of the back most recent plantings (March '14).  In spite of this horrific California drought you can see these trees are thriving -- they love the climate and sunshine... and make do with very little water.  

These trees are groomed for lumber harvesting (ask Mike).  

Below is a gorgeous paulownia ungroomed to grow for their majestic shade.

 

Mike has almost 100 trees in pots looking for a home:  contact him for info today.  Text to 559.824.3254. 

For extensive info on Paulownias, click here.

Amazing Fast-growing Trees

Spring brings great growth and MORE PAULOWNIAS!

The 'farm' is up to 330 Paulownias in various stages of planting:
new plantings
first-year cut-downs
2nd year rows
3rd year growth

These are such hardy and rewarding trees, requiring little water and zero pesticides or other chemicals.  Every patch of ground here in the Central San Joaquin Valley should have a FEW Paulownias!