Gardening enthusiasts often find themselves captivated by the fast-growing and majestic Empress Tree.
Its ability to quickly provide shade, coupled with its fragrant flowers, makes it an attractive choice for many gardeners.
But a pressing question arises when considering planting an Empress Tree: does it have invasive roots? Let's find out.
What is an Empress Tree?
The Empress Tree, also known as the Princess Tree or Paulownia tomentosa, is a fast-growing deciduous tree native to Eastern Asia.
As you start learning about the Empress Tree, you'll find its striking features make it very attractive for decorative purposes.
Its rapid growth, reaching up to 40 feet tall, and vibrant purple flowers are what make it quite popular in landscaping.
What you'll find particularly impressive are this tree's leaves. Their size can be quite eye-catching, with some expanding to more than 12 inches.
Not only are these leaves large, but the tree itself can grow rapidly, adding 15 feet to its height each year.
Does Empress Tree Have Invasive Roots?
While you may appreciate its beauty and fast growth, it is essential to be aware that the Empress Tree is considered invasive in some areas.
It can spread seeds easily and grow in unwanted locations, leading to concerns about its root system and overall impact on the surrounding environment.
The invasive nature of empress trees can be attributed to their ability to produce up to 20 million winged seeds per tree and persistent suckering from stumps or roots.
This means that they can invade your garden and spread quickly, competing with native plants for resources such as sunlight, water, and nutrients.
The Root System of the Empress Tree
The Empress Tree develops a deep taproot. This taproot anchors the tree and reaches down into the soil to access moisture and nutrients. Surrounding this taproot are lateral roots that spread out.
While they can be extensive, they do not typically surface or cause the upheaval associated with some other tree species.
However, labeling them as “invasive” might be misleading. Here's why:
Depth of Roots
Empress Tree roots grow deeper rather than spreading out just beneath the surface.
This means they are less likely to damage sidewalks, driveways, or building foundations compared to trees with more superficial roots.
Regeneration Ability
While the tree can regenerate from root fragments, it's not as aggressive in doing so as some truly invasive species.
Concerns About Its Invasiveness
While the root system of the Empress Tree might not be invasive in the traditional sense, the tree itself has invasive tendencies. Here’s what you need to know:
Prolific Seed Production
The Empress Tree produces a large number of seeds. These seeds easily spread and can lead to unwanted growth in nearby areas.
Disturbance Opportunist
This tree thrives in disturbed soils. If you have recently cleared an area or have bare patches of earth, the Empress Tree seeds might find it an ideal spot to germinate.
Potential Problems with Empress Tree Roots
Just like any tree, the empress tree's roots can spread and grow, potentially causing problems with sidewalks, foundations, or other structures in their path.
It's essential to be aware of these risks and plant these trees where they can safely grow without harming the surrounding area.
Another issue worth considering is the ecological impact of empress trees.
As a non-native species, they can potentially become invasive and outcompete native plants in the ecosystem.
The empress tree's rapid growth rate and ability to produce a large number of seeds contribute to its invasive nature in certain areas.
In addition to the direct competition with native plants, empress tree roots can also impact local soil quality.
Their roots may change the nutrient dynamics of the soil, making it challenging for other plants to thrive. This can lead to a reduction in biodiversity and overall ecological balance.
Dealing with Invasive Empress Tree Roots
Here's how you can prevent and manage invasive Empress tree roots in your garden or landscape.
To minimize the risk of invasive Empress tree roots, take the following preventive measures:
Choose the Right Location
Plant Empress trees away from structures and other plants, as their roots can spread out and cause damage or compete for resources.
Barrier Installation
Before planting, consider installing root barriers around the tree to limit root growth and protect nearby plants, structures, and utilities.
Monitor Your Tree
Regularly inspect your tree for signs of invasive growth, and prune or remove excessive root growth when necessary.
Management Approaches
If you already have an Empress tree with invasive roots, you can take various approaches to manage the situation:
1. Root Pruning
Carefully prune back the invasive roots, making sure you don't harm the tree's overall health.
Consult a professional arborist if you're unsure about root pruning techniques.
2. Tree Removal
If the Empress tree has become too invasive and threatens the health of other plants or poses a risk to structures, it might be best to remove the tree entirely.
Make sure to hire a professional tree removal service to ensure safe and effective removal.
3. Invasive Tree Control
You can also use chemical control methods like cut and paint or spray, which involve cutting the trunk and applying herbicides to the stump or exposed roots.
4. Clean Up Fallen Seed Pods
By removing seed pods before they open and release seeds, you can reduce the chances of unwanted growth.
5. Plant Away from Fragile Structures
Even though the roots are not typically invasive, it's a good idea to give the tree ample space, keeping it away from sidewalks, driveways, and building foundations.
Popularity Despite Invasiveness
The Empress Tree continues to hold appeal despite its invasive roots. Despite these concerns, many still find the Empress Tree irresistible for its aesthetic and practical benefits.
If you decide to plant one in your landscape, it’s crucial to monitor its spread and growth to mitigate any potential invasive impacts.
With proper management, you can enjoy having the majestic Empress Tree in your surroundings.
If you're planning on adding more trees to your yard, check out these other beautiful options:
The 13 Best Trees to Plant for Shade and Privacy in Your Garden