Paulownia is attracting increasing interest in the agricultural sector. Its rapid growth, adaptability and high economic value are prompting many farmers to take a close interest in it. Some call it the ‘bitcoin tree’ because of its potential for rapid profitability. It offers new opportunities for foresters and landowners. This species raises the question: is it a sustainable opportunity or a passing fad?
Why is paulownia attracting so much interest in modern orchards?
Paulownia has a number of characteristics that are of interest to professionals. Its rapid growth is one of the most impressive among different tree species, allowing for the production of usable wood in just a few years. Its wood is renowned for being light, strong and stable, and is valued in many sectors such as furniture making, light construction, crafts and stringed instrument making.
It is also a tree that easily regenerates its stump after cutting. For producers, this ability means shorter harvesting cycles and recurring economic potential, a rather rare advantage in arboriculture.
What role can paulownia play in the future of agroforestry?
More and more farmers are interested in paulownia for its ability to integrate into agroforestry systems. It adapts well to cultivated plots, produces light shade that does not harm crops, and has deep roots that limit competition on the surface.
Its fairly generous foliage can also provide an interesting organic resource as it decomposes quickly. Some producers see it as a way to diversify their activity, generate additional income and improve the resilience of their farms in the face of climate uncertainty.
What challenges do arborists face in maintaining paulownia trees?
The vigour of paulownia, although advantageous, requires regular control of its growth. In the early years, the tree requires careful monitoring, particularly to ensure a straight shape and a single trunk if the objective is to produce high-quality wood. Maintenance must be precise, gradual and adapted to the tree's development.
Young shoots must be consolidated, lateral shoots controlled and the space around the trunk regularly cleared. For larger plantations, the question of the equipment used becomes central: rows must be kept clean without damaging the trees, and action must be taken quickly to guide their development.
How can an agricultural mower facilitate the management of paulownia plantations?
Young paulownia trees require careful pruning, especially when planted in orchards or rows. In this context, an agricultural mower can be very useful for structuring the surrounding vegetation, keeping rows tidy and promoting vertical growth.
A mower allows you to:
clear away nearby hedges or regrowth to avoid competition,
to maintain a clean environment around young trees,
to limit invasive vegetation on borders.
How are we supporting arborists in the face of the rise of paulownia?
At Coup'Eco, we closely monitor developments in practices relating to paulownia. This tree introduces new requirements in terms of maintenance, precision and regularity. Our pruning bars have been designed to deliver a clean, controlled cut, which is essential when working on young plantations or trees intended to provide valuable timber.
We develop tools that can be adapted to the various tool holders and supports used in orchards, from tractors to loaders, while guaranteeing a quality cut that helps growers keep pace with the rapid growth of paulownia trees. Our goal is to offer reliable, easy-to-use solutions that are suited to the maintenance of new tree crops.
By supporting arborists in this new era, we are putting our expertise to work for the rational, sustainable and efficient management of plantations. Paulownia brings a new dynamic to arboriculture, and we are committed to providing the equipment needed to fully realise its potential.