Paulownia

I've been investigating the Paulownia tree for some time now. At first I couldn't believe the growth rates which were claimed, they just seem to high to contemplate. After some dedicated research I can only confirm that these claims are true.

The growth rate of Paulownia is just phenomenal. Stories with claims of 5 metres growth in the first season can be found on the internet. Originally from China, where some 15 million hectares have been planted with Paulownia, the tree is also been planted in many other areas around the world.

Paulownia grows really fast in warmer climates, but then the quality of the timber is less than that of Paulownia growing in tempered climates. For some time now, research has been done on developing Paulownia that can withstand severe frost. Those clones are now on the market.

Robinia Invest will be planting these Paulownia clones in this autumn in Germany. We will be working closely with a German nursery that has already 7 years of experience with the planting of Paulownia in Germany.

In Germany, Paulownia will not grow as fast as in the tropics, expected growth in height is 2 metres per year. After 12 years the trees can be harvested for timber. We will expect a yield per hectare of 150-200 m3. Since the Paulownia needs ample water during its growth season in the summer, all Paulownia plantations will be irrigated. The timber quality can be measured in different grades, ranging from the best A, to grade E. Grade A fetches the highest prices.

In our calculations we have taken the average, grade C to set the price in our projections. We project that 20% of the planted trees will not make it until harvest time. Still the returns are quite promising, as you can see.

Intercropping with Robinia would be ideal, but alas this is not possible, as the Paulownia need all the nutrions and water for themselves.

Wouter Bakker