How Far Apart to Plant Royal Empress Trees

Royal Empress trees, also known as Paulownia trees, are a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach up to 50 feet in height. These trees feature large, heart-shaped leaves and produce beautiful purple flowers in the spring. Some people grow this tree as an ornamental, while others harvest the wood to use for furniture or musical instruments. If you're considering planting a Royal Empress tree, one of the most important questions you might have is how far apart to plant them.

Spacing Recommendations for Royal Empress Trees

The spacing requirements for Royal Empress trees will depend on the intended use of the tree. If you're planting a row of Royal Empress trees for privacy, they should be planted between 5 and 10 feet apart. This will allow for the trees to grow into one another and form a dense, screen-like barrier. If you're planting a single Royal Empress tree as an ornamental, you'll want to plant it at least 15 feet away from any buildings or other trees. This will ensure that the tree has plenty of room to grow and spread out.

If you're planning to harvest the wood from your Royal Empress tree, spacing becomes even more important. For maximum yield, these trees should be planted in rows with 10-foot spacing between the trees and 8-foot spacing between the rows. This will allow for significant growth without overcrowding, which can result in smaller branches and less valuable wood.

Other Factors to Consider

Spacing is an important consideration when planting Royal Empress trees, but it's not the only one. Here are a few other factors to keep in mind:

Soil and Sunlight

Royal Empress trees prefer well-drained soil and full sunlight. Be sure to choose a planting location that provides these conditions so that your tree can thrive.

Watering

While Royal Empress trees are drought-tolerant and can survive with minimal watering, they will grow faster and healthier with regular watering. Be sure to water your tree deeply once a week during periods of dry weather.

Pruning

To encourage healthy growth and maximize the yield of your tree, it's important to prune it regularly. For best results, prune your Royal Empress tree in the winter while it is dormant.

Conclusion

Planting a Royal Empress tree can provide a range of benefits, from ornamental beauty to valuable wood. By understanding the recommended spacing and other important factors, you can help ensure that your tree grows healthy and strong. Whether you're planting one tree or a whole row, be sure to choose a location with plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil, and consider watering and pruning to encourage healthy growth.