deciduous tree
Royal Paulownia: pruning, storm risk and removal
Paulownia tomentosa. Also called Princess tree, Empress tree, Foxglove tree.
Plain-English notes for homeowners, plus field notes for tree crews. General guidance only: for one specific tree, have a local insured pro look at it.
Royal Paulownia at a glance
| Height | 30-60 ft |
|---|---|
| Spread | 20-40 ft |
| Growth rate | Fast |
| USDA zones | 5-9 |
| Lifespan | Typically 20-70 years, often short-lived |
| Type | Deciduous |
| Native range | Central and western China. It was brought to the United States as an ornamental and has spread into woods, roadsides and disturbed ground, mostly in the eastern states. |
| Roots | Wide-spreading, with strong sprouting ability. Cut stumps and damaged roots often send up fast, oversized shoots. |
| Wood | Very light, soft and low in density. It dries quickly, burns fast with little heat and is a poor firewood. The wood is valued for some craft uses because it is so light. |
| Storm risk | highThe wood is light, soft and brittle. Fast growth gives weak branch unions, and older trunks often turn hollow, so limbs and whole stems break in wind and ice. |
Typical ranges, not guarantees. Soil, water, space and care change how a tree grows. Storm risk is our general rating for the species, not an inspection.
For homeowners
Caring for a royal paulownia
Best time to prune
Late fall to winter, or summer. Remove dead wood, weak forks and hanging limbs. Young trees can be cut back hard in winter, but they regrow very fast.
Avoid pruning
Avoid leaving stubs, because decay enters quickly. Cutting the tree down without grinding or treating the stump usually leads to heavy resprouting.
More on timing: when to prune trees.
- Check with your state extension service or agriculture department. In several eastern states this tree is treated as invasive.
- Cut seed capsules before they split open only if you can reach them safely from the ground. Better yet, ask a pro about replacing the tree.
- Do not plant one near a house, a fence line or power lines. It grows fast and the wood is weak.
- Watch for shoots coming up from the stump or roots after any cut. Repeated cutting is usually needed, or a licensed pro can advise on stump treatment.
Safety first
Do not climb a tree or use a chainsaw on storm-loaded or broken wood. If a tree or limb is touching power lines, stay away and call the utility. If someone is in danger, call 911. For anything big, hire a local insured pro: read how to hire a tree service and is my tree dangerous?
Lirevon does not do tree work. Find local pros on Google Maps and read their reviews, then get two or three written quotes.
For tree crews
Field notes: working on royal paulownia
- 1Test the trunk and large limbs for hollow sections before putting weight on them or tying in.
- 2Wood is light but fragile. Rig bigger pieces rather than letting them drop and shatter.
- 3Expect resprouts and tell the customer in the quote. Stump grinding or a follow-up visit may be needed.
- 4Seed capsules and big leaves make a lot of debris. Plan cleanup time and ask about disposal rules for invasive plants.
Removal notes
Princess tree is listed as invasive in a number of states, so check local rules before replanting. Large trees are often hollow, so look for cavities before climbing. Each seed capsule holds a huge number of tiny winged seeds, and seedlings pop up in cracks, walls and gravel. Expect stump and root sprouts unless the stump is ground out or treated by a licensed pro.
Wood
Very light, soft and low in density. It dries quickly, burns fast with little heat and is a poor firewood. The wood is valued for some craft uses because it is so light.
Pricing this job? Try the tree job estimator. Follow your own safety plan and crew training on every job.
Common problems for royal paulownia
Pests and diseases to watch for. Each link explains signs and what to do.
Trees often mistaken for it
Check the leaves, bark and shape before you decide how to prune or treat.
Where royal paulownia grows
Native range: Central and western China. It was brought to the United States as an ornamental and has spread into woods, roadsides and disturbed ground, mostly in the eastern states.
Common in these US regions. Tap one to see other trees there.
Free tools for this tree
They run in your browser and nothing is sent anywhere. Results are estimates.
Royal Paulownia: common questions
Is the princess tree invasive?
In several eastern states it is treated as invasive. It makes huge numbers of tiny seeds that blow into open ground, roadsides and forest edges. Rules differ by state, so check with your local extension office or state agriculture department.
How can I tell a royal paulownia from a catalpa?
Both have big heart-shaped leaves. Paulownia leaves are fuzzy and its twigs are thick with a hollow or pithy center. Paulownia flowers in early spring before the leaves, with purple clusters. Catalpa flowers in early summer with white blooms and makes long bean-like pods.
How fast does a royal paulownia grow?
Very fast. In good conditions it can add several feet a year when young. The trade-off is soft wood and a short life.
Why do I keep getting new shoots after I cut it down?
The tree resprouts strongly from the stump and roots. Grinding the stump, repeat cutting of the shoots, or treatment by a licensed pro can slow it. Ask your extension office for current advice.
Is a paulownia dangerous near my house?
Large old trees can be. The wood is weak and the trunk may be hollow, so limbs and stems can fail in storms. A certified arborist can inspect it and give you a written opinion.
Should I remove a princess tree?
Many owners do, especially if the tree is large, hollow or seeding into nearby areas. Get two or three written quotes and ask how the stump will be handled.
More trees in the same regions
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