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

Fast Growing Trees

Everything is at a fast pace today. (Duh.) What's up with these fast growing trees?

 Stop by for a visit with our Paulownia tree project and Mike can fill you in on why we are attempting to get the word out about these trees.   Watch the video to  hear Bob Kaler, our tree-mentor, career almond farmer, and founder of the Western Region Paulownia Growers & Developers (slogan: "Growing for Clean Air and Water") 559.283.2511 for info -- you can hear him talk about 'carbon sequestration' and the lack of chemicals in production of these trees.

 Grow a Million-Dollar Tree Harvest every 7 years on small acreage with minimal labor and chemicals. 

The Fed Ex young man asked me the other day "What are those trees?" I said their name. He said, "Why are you growing them?" (Sigh.) I was busy inside and wanted to get back to chores, but.... he was curious. I shared the highlights.

 He said, "I have 2 acres and would like to plant something like this." One or two hundred trees would fit nicely onto his place; he can do his own drip irrigation (simple) in his spare time; minor grooming of the trees first couple of summers (flicking suckers off); and enjoy great shade until his harvest pay-day.

A good tree should yield 200 or so board feet. Current bf price, conservative side = $8.50. So, $1700/tree. Goal: $340,000 per harvest.

These trees, ungroomed for harvest,

make a glorious shade tree and the same carbon sequestration/clean water attributes apply. So whether you want a profit crop from your land, or great shade trees for your yard, get acquainted with Paulownias.

 Contact Mike: 559.824.3254 for more info. They make a great secondary income, like for this young Fed Ex employee. If you'd like to check out some other great secondary income sources, click here.