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There are some compelling reasons to plant Paulownia.  It most definitely is a tree with soil, water, and nutrient retaining properties.  It can be made into forest products. At first blush it makes sense to plant Paulownia, watch it grow, improve the environment, and make a fortune at the end of ten to twelve years...but is it that simple?

Here is the hype:

• Paulownia is a light, air curable wood, that does not warp, twist, or crack; The tree is fire resistant and water repellent.

• Paulownia can be sold for pulp, paper, poles, construction material, plywood, and furniture, at top dollar.

• Paulownia can be commercially harvested in five to seven years.

• Paulownia is a beautiful tree and is easily propagated from root cuttings.

• Paulownia is nitrogen rich and makes an excellent livestock fodder and soil amending mulching material.

If all of these statements are true - - it would be a good deed to plant the tree.  It would, in fact be a grievous error for you not to plant the tree.  Great for the environment, great for shade, great for soil, great for water quality, great for beauty.  Fact is, I have made up my mind to purchase a few for my property.  But is it economically sound to plant Paulownia over large areas?

Are Paulownia Plantations Economically Practical?

A recent discussion on a favorite forestry listserv group was "are Paulownia plantations economic?" 

Gordon J. Esplin writes " promoters of Paulownia plantations are claiming incredible growth (4 years to 60', 16" at breast height) and value (eg $800/cubic meter) for Paulownia trees.  This seems to be too good to be true.  Are there any independent, scientific studies on the species?" 

James Lawrence of  Toad Gully Growers, a Paulownia propagation company in Australia sums it up completely. "There has, unfortunately, been much over-hyped promotion of Paulownia.  It is true, however, that under the right conditions, Paulownia produces valuable timber in a shorter time frame..."  Lawrence goes on to say that it usually takes from 10 to 12 years to achieve a size economical to mill and is not construction strong enough to be used as building material.  "It is most likely to find its place in moldings, doors, window frames, veneers, and furniture."

He further says that trees in the "cooler regions of Australia may be more slowly grown and consequently of higher timber quality - close growth rings are desired for furniture - than those grown in warmer climates; however, the higher rate of crop rotation in the warmer zones should compensate for any lower returns per m3."  Lawrence just indicated, at least to me, that we need to take a deep breath and grow the tree slower for optimum quality.

And what about a little thing called market?

Remembering that the top three things that effect the value of any real property is "location, location, location" - I would suggest that the top three things that effect the value of standing timber price is "market, market, market."

Paulownia is no different from any other tree in this regard and you need to find a market before planting...and I have found no support for a market on the Internet.  Further, the literature suggests that the present US market is extremely under-developed and one source actually suggested that there is "no present market".  The future of this tree depends on a future market.

I did run across a credible reference to price.  Mississippi State University indicates in a report on "Unique Species and Uses" that Paulownia logs "have been found growing in the Mississippi Delta and south along the Mississippi River. Paulonia logs have been in high demand in Japan and bring excellent prices (my emphasis) to landowners in Mississippi." I have yet to find that buying source. 

Also, there are risks associated with any tree planting venture. Paulownia is no different.  It is sensitive to drought, root rot, and diseases.  There is also the economic risk of producing a tree with little future economic value.  

"Royal Paulownia - Roots of Gold"