Paulownia trees

[John MacNaughton]

Hi!

I'm thinking of planting a Paulownia tree in my back yard (20 miles S of Chicago) and was wondering if they can survive a Chicago winter? They are supposed to make great shade trees and grow to 30+ feet in two years! WHat do you know of them. Some info is at http://www.paulownia.com but I would like to hear what you know before I make a decision.

Thanks so much...

John

 

[Deere John]

30' in two years. Pawshaw! That's Canadian for BS. Remember that your growing season in Ch. is only so long, and these statistics apply 1) to a 365 day growing season 2)by a person wanting to sell you something.

Besides, if it did grow 30' in two years, in 4 years it would become dangerous because the density is not there, and in six years, you would have to pay a professional $800 to take it down. Probably go pretty good through a chipper though - in fact, if it grew 30' in two years, I would plant a bunch around the city - short-term job security.

Plant a local species.