Royal Empress Tree - Ask Extension
Hi there. My sister obtained a tree and planted it in our front yard. She had no information on the tree. It very quickly grew into a shocking and imp...
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Royal Empress Tree #831099
Asked May 20, 2023, 4:21 PM EDT
Hi there. My sister obtained a tree and planted it in our front yard. She had no information on the tree. It very quickly grew into a shocking and impressive plant for this area.
To the best of my ability, I think I have identified it as a Royal Empress tree. The attached photos were taken in August after the tree had been planted in April the previous year.
We decided it was not a good idea to have it so close to the house. So the next year we relocated it to the middle of the back yard. However, despite all of our efforts, the tree continues to grow in the front yard. We don't know how to kill it. If it is a tree we should even have growing in our yard. Is it safe? Will it cause damage with an evasive root system?
Just look for some guidance or point me in a direction for some help.
Thank you so much!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Chelsey,
You are correct with the identification - Paulownia tomentosa. It's not considered to be a desirable tree because it can be messy and it's not generally winter hardy, so it can die back to the ground each year. The roots wouldn't be considered to be aggressive or invasive, but it's just not a recommended tree for the area. Are you opposed to using chemistry? If not, then continually pulling, cutting back, or digging it up will be the solution. If you are willing to use chemistry, you can use glyphosate or another non-selective herbicide. Read the label carefully and apply as directed. Non-selective herbicides can kill/injure desirable plants, so only spray the tree and its leaves, and not the surrounding grass or plants.
You are correct with the identification - Paulownia tomentosa. It's not considered to be a desirable tree because it can be messy and it's not generally winter hardy, so it can die back to the ground each year. The roots wouldn't be considered to be aggressive or invasive, but it's just not a recommended tree for the area. Are you opposed to using chemistry? If not, then continually pulling, cutting back, or digging it up will be the solution. If you are willing to use chemistry, you can use glyphosate or another non-selective herbicide. Read the label carefully and apply as directed. Non-selective herbicides can kill/injure desirable plants, so only spray the tree and its leaves, and not the surrounding grass or plants.
