Why it excels when it comes to renaturalisation
Paulownia: Theclimate tree for the future -Why it excels when it comes to renaturalisation. Paulownia, also known as the bluebell tree or kiri, is no longer an insider tip among climate activists and foresters. But what makes it a beacon of hope in the fight against climate change and the ideal choice for renaturalisation projects? This article sheds light on the extraordinary properties of paulownia and its wide range of applications.
Fast-growing and a CO₂ storage champion
The paulownia is one of the fastest growing trees in the world. In just ten to twelve years, it reaches a height of 15 to 25 metres and a trunk diameter of up to 40 centimetres -native trees such as beech or oak take decades to get there. This rapid growth enables it to absorb enormous amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere.
Experts estimate that a paulownia tree can bind up to 1.2 tonnes of CO₂ in 20 years -that is around 46 times more than an oak tree in the same period. Paulownia woodland stores around 36 tonnes of CO₂ per hectare per year; a beech forest only stores around 18 tonnes, an oak forest 16 tonnes and a spruce forest 25 tonnes. This turns the paulownia into a real climate saver and significantly contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gases.
Robust, adaptable, and bee-friendly
The paulownia is not only fast-growing, but also particularly robust. It can cope with a wide variety of soils, tolerates heat and drought and is even frost-resistant down to temperatures of -20 to -25°C. Especially in times of climate change, when native tree species suffer from drought and heat, the paulownia offers a clear advantage.
It is also very resistant to pests and is considered a bee-friendly tree species. Its large, nectar-and pollen-rich flowers attract numerousinsects and promote biodiversity. The large leaves improve the air quality, absorb toxins and enrich the soil with humus.
Benefits for renaturation and soil quality.
As a primary tree for restoration projects, the paulownia offers many advantages:
Rapidrevegetation: thanks to its rapid growth, the paulownia creates a green microclimate in a short time and protects the soil from erosion.
Soil improvement: the deep roots loosen the soil, promote water retention and improve soil quality in the long term.
Multiple uses: after harvesting, the tree sprouts again from the remaining rootstock so that no new planting is necessary. This reduces the amount of labour required and protects the soil layers.
Biodiversity: the large flowers and leaves provide habitat and food for numerous insects, birds and small animals, which promotes biodiversity in revitalised areas.
Economic and ecological use
Paulownia wood is light, stable and versatile -ideal for furniture, construction timber, panelling and even aircraft construction. It is particularly light (250-300 kg/m³), but has a similar compressive strength to spruce. The wood is also extremely fire-resistant and is ideal for sustainable construction projects.
In short rotation plantations (SRP), paulownia can be harvested several times and thus quickly supplies renewable raw materials for energy wood or wood chips. This protects natural forests and reduces the pressure on existing wood resources.
Challenges and critical voices
Despite all the advantages, there are also critical voices: In some countries, the paulownia is categorised as a potentially invasive species and spreads via runners and root suckers. In Germany, it is under observation and is not always recommended by forest authorities, especially in woodland. The tree species requires intensive care when young, as it is sensitive to competing vegetation and early frosts.
Conclusion: Paulownia – the climate tree with future potential
Paulownia is a true climate tree: it grows extremely quickly, binds large amounts of CO₂, is resistant to heat and drought and promotes biodiversity. It is particularly suitable as a primary tree for renaturalisation projects, as it improves the soil, quickly creates a green microclimate and can be used sustainably multiple times.
With its numerous ecological and economic benefits, paulownia is an important building block for sustainable forestry and active climate protection -even if the right care and local conditions must be taken into account when planting.
With the paulownia, we are investing in the future: renaturalising devastated areas with its help, ensures healthy living conditions for future generations
Author: Francesco del Orbe
Coverpicture: Pixabay (barbara808) / Climate Tree: paulownia-baumschule.de
