Paulownia Growth Rates

[Darrellx]

Hi all


I am considering planting some Paulownia and am wondering about the growth rate reported for this tree. I have read that Paulownia "..may reach 4 metres tall in their first season".


This seems to be rather fantastic. Has anyone had any experience with these and is this growth rate correct?


I realise the 4 metres would be under ideal conditions, but even 2 or 3 metres seems a lot in the first year.


Thanks
Darrell

[fubar]

yes they do but they need 30m between each tree otherwise you get trunks with no girth to them as they need a minimum of 30m canopy to support the quick growth.
there were quite a few plantations of these back in the 80s as it was part of superannuation schemes just about all were planted too close together and failed as going concerns.

[Darrellx]

Makes sense. But the same source that suggested 4 metres growth per year has also said "..optimum planting grid is 4m apart between trees within the mounded rows with the rows at 6.25 metres apart.


I have the space so I will aim for something much larger than 4 metres apart.


Thanks

[fubar]

I am relaying info from a fellow who was involved with the growing of the timbers and the end use of such.
they also did the 4m spacing without much success they got fast straight growth but never much girth.

[whitewood]

Hi Darrellx

Paulownia will grow even more than 4 metres in the first year if conditions are right. To get this growth they need to be farmed - Weed free, fertilised, pruned and watered in the growing season. They only grow tall because of the pruning. Stop pruning and they form the head which allows the girth to expand. As far as spacing is concerned it depends on the quality of the soil and the water available. When I was involved 6 x 8 metres was considered the minimum for unirrigated plantations. Personally I would use 10 x 10 if you have the land but not 30 metres, The greater the distance between trees and rows the longer ti take to tend them.

Whitewood
h

[Darrellx]

Guys


Thanks for the responses. Much appreciated.


I am doing this simply to learn - and I suppose the kids might eventually reap a more tangible benefit.


Over the last 8 years I have planted quite a range of trees, and it has been good to watch them grow and be able to distinguish them. Red Cedar, White Mahogany, Forest Redgum, Rosewood, Silky Oak, Onion Cedar, Tallowwood, Yellowbox. It is amazing what a bit of irrigation does to the growth of some of our natives.


I am thinking I will do a few plantings of the Paulownia and record the different effects/results. I will do a small planting according to the web site ( 6 metre x 4 metre grid); then a bigger batch on a 10 metre x 10 metre grid; then a few where they are 20 to 30 metres from any other tree. Looking forward to a good growth rate, and big leaves.


Thanks again.
Darrell