Are Royal Empress Trees okay to have in a pasture?

[HearseGirlBoo]

So we are looking at horse property because we were approved for a loan. The one we really want has a pasture with no trees in it at all. So I have been looking up fast growing shade trees. I was thinking of putting a couple weeping willows near the side where there is already a round pen, and I will be building an out door arena just on the other side of the fence. I will try to not have it to close, but I have to work with the room the place provides as well. (not putting the trees close enough that it would hang to close to either the round pen or arena) I had read that weeping willows tend to drink away standing water. So I thought that might help with run off. I am also reading that Royal Empress trees are not only fast growing and pretty but have an amazing smell. Another tree that I would like to have closer to where people are working to give it a nice pleasant welcoming area to be in. (I plan on having a few borders) But I don’t know if its okay to have it in the pasture because of the flowers. If not, I will plant those on the out side of the pasture. But if they are fine with the horses, I would also want them to help shade them. I want to transplant some of the baby trees on my property I already have, to the pasture to grow into shade trees as well. I was also thinking maybe keeping the trees more on the side of the pasture rather than the middle? I would like to make it an easy place to get out and ride in as well.

We are going back out and looking at this one again. I think this is the one. Fingers crossed…

Any suggestions on this would be great because once planted, there are no do overs. Not easy ones anyway. Thanks for your help in advance…

[hoopoe]

they are not considered toxic but drop a lot of seeds and leaves and that would be a no go in a pasture in my opinion. Also as a fast growing tree, it is also a weak tree and if you live in wind zone, beware. Those seeds will readily give rise to more trees and this one is considered somewhat a noxious invasive because of that

For the best tree in your pasture, start with native trees.

[TMares]

https://www.fast-growing-trees.com/blog/royal-empress-trees-invasive-heres/

[Where_sMyWhite]

++ to what hoopoe and TMares said…

Fast growing trees are weak trees and will be more susceptible to blowing over or breaking branches.

Please, please avoid planting any plants (trees or otherwise) that are considered invasive. Invasive species can greatly impact the native species which is not a good thing.

Try contacting your county extension office to see if their Ag agent can make some smart tree recommendations for you.

[crosscreeksh]

I give a RAVING review of the Empress trees…AKA Pawlownia trees. We planted HUNDREDS of them as a cash crop on our NC horse farm as well as boardering our 175x300 show ring and a double row to the west of our 200 foot covered arena…we had AWESOME shade in a couple of years. 40 feet tall after 8 years. The leaves are huge and LOVED by our horses and the flowers are beautiful and fragrant. FWIW…we had a mare with a lacerated esophagus who could not eat any hay or grain for 6 months…to the astonishment of the vets…she survived her ordeal living on a diet of ONLY the Pawlonia leaves and grass. When we moved to Oklahoma…I brought and planted dozens…only a few survived the high winds…then we moved to NE Texas…I brought 25 plants here…but most drowned when we got 10 inches of rain right after they were planted!! I now have about a dozen I am nursing along and they are planted in places to afford the most urgent shade for our barns and home. If you want more info…feel free to PM me.

[crosscreeksh]

Pawlonias are NOT a weak tree despite their rapid growth. They are grown for their lightness and strength and at one point in time… for the sole purpose of making International Shipping pallets!!!

[tabula_rashah]

Not toxic but no, I would never plant them on purpose. I’d definitely go with something native

[crosscreeksh]

What native trees grow that fast??

[hoopoe]

that depends where you are native

[Where_sMyWhite]

FWIW, it’s Paulownia not Pawlonia

The botanical name is Paulownia tomentosa.

They grow fast.
Their wood is somewhat brittle.
Tree roots grow close to the soil surface which can cause concrete damage or make it hard to mow.
They can be susceptible to freezes.
They are known to be invasive; you should check with your local ag agent for advisability in planting.

[Texarkana]

There was a time when growing paulownias for harvest was extremely profitable. I don’t know if profits ever come to fruition for growers, though.

They are my absolute favorite tree. They are also incredibly invasive.

Hackberry trees are native to much of the US (although it depends on your location). Cheap, easy to grow, fast growing, safe for horses.

Tulip poplars are another good alternative.

[TheJenners]

The linked fast-growing-trees site offers sterile trees. Thanks to this thread I may get some, I had never heard of them but they are super pretty

[crosscreeksh]

My error on the spelling. Ours were a cloned hybrid (sterile) “Paulonia Elongata”. What makes you say they are “incredibly invasive”?? Our grew where we planted them…period!! I wish they would “invade”…I could stand more shade here in Texas!!

[Texarkana]

@crosscreeksh

My error on the spelling. Ours were a cloned hybrid (sterile) “Paulonia Elongata”. What makes you say they are “incredibly invasive”?? Our grew where we planted them…period!! I wish they would “invade”…I could stand more shade here in Texas!!

It’s invasive status is not “nationwide,” so I suppose I should have clarified. The states in green are those who have recognized it’s invasive status and detected it displacing native plants.

[URL=“http://www.eddmaps.org/distribution/usstate.cfm?sub=2426”]http://www.eddmaps.org/distribution/...e.cfm?sub=2426
http://www.eddmaps.org/Species/subject.cfm?sub=2426

Despite all my population biology training, it’s one that I personally can’t get too upset about, because I am their biggest fan. Well, me and Pierre du Pont, who planted them everywhere. :lol:

[goodhors]

Here in Michigan, the non-sterile variety is a horrible tree with it’s invasive qualities. They stink when broken, take root everywhere. I hate them. Not a tree I would recommend for any reason.

[crosscreeksh]

Apparently there are two different types of Paulonias…Some to hate…some to love. Our wood has NO smell and the smell of the flowers is just wonderful. Guess you have to pick the right “model”!

[shiloh]

I would not touch one with a thousand foot pole. Pretty but messy and invasive. Try the Arbor Day Foundation - they have an offer for 10 free trees and they can advise which trees are good for your area, like your extension agent.
https://www.arborday.org/