10 times more CO2 absorbed: the fastest-growing tree that could change everything
Imagine a tree that grows sky-high in just months, slurps up CO2 like a thirsty marathon runner, and could power the dreams of tiny house builders and surfboard shapers. Sounds like something from a futuristic eco-saga, right? Well, it’s happening right now in Brittany, France, in a quiet corner near Locmélar. The culprits? Two pioneering brothers and a very ambitious tree.
The Paulownia: Asia’s Answer to Climate Challenges
Stephane and Jérôme Gueguen, two dedicated farmers, decided just over a year ago to shake up their hectare in Finistère by planting Paulownia trees. These aren’t just any trees—they’re the Usain Bolts of the plant world. In just four short months, their new leafy friends shot up close to four meters, leaving typical tree saplings in the dust. Sandrine Berkel, co-founder of the Plougoulm-based company Arbre Paulownia (which supplies these plants), doesn’t mince her words: “They’re pioneers.” And who wouldn’t want a badge for being a trailblazer?
So, why the hype about this leafy import from Asia? Well, Paulownias aren’t content just chilling in the shade. These green giants:
- Absorb up to 10 times more CO2 than standard broadleaf species.
- Grow at a breakneck speed, reaching between 12 and 15 meters in a mere 7 to 10 years.
- Offer wood that’s in demand among tiny house builders, surfboard creators, and furniture makers, says Julien Kloesmeyer, co-founder of Arbre Paulownia.
Talk about a multi-talented tree.
Phoenix One®: A Non-Invasive, Frost-Friendly Variety
The Gueguen brothers opted for a special, non-intrusive variety named Phoenix One®. Not only can it withstand frosty temps down to -10°C, it’s also not the pushy, take-over-your-garden type. Planted in June 2022, something magic—or at least extremely leafy—happened. To keep the trees growing straight and evenly, the brothers cut them back at the end of May 2023 (sometimes you just have to give nature a haircut). Far from sulking, the Paulownias simply shrugged and grew right back, now proudly stretching about four meters high.
As autumn approaches, the large leaves—“which will fall in autumn,” the brothers point out—have flourished around the trunks. Essential care was needed at the start. “For about the first three months, we gave each tree two liters of water every other day,” they recall. Quick results don’t mean zero effort, as Sandrine Berkel sums up with a knowing smile: “It’s a magical tree, but cultivating it takes some work!”
Counting the Costs and the Gains
Finances matter when you’re betting on a botanical superstar. On their hectare, the brothers invested less than 5,000 euros. But the potential payoff? Once the first harvest is done, revenues of between 60,000 and 80,000 euros per hectare are possible, according to Arbre Paulownia’s co-founder. The company offers buyback contracts with fixed prices, but tree owners can always choose to sell the wood themselves. No pressure—just opportunity.
The buzz isn’t staying local. On September 14, 2023, the Gueguen farm opened up for curious visitors. People from all over France—farmers looking to boost underused lands and individuals dreaming of forests in their backyards—came to see these fast-growing wonders. As Sandrine Berkel and Julien Kloesmeyer highlight, “There’s a market to develop in France; every week, we get calls from people wanting to buy Paulownia wood.” Clearly, the phones are almost as busy as the trees.
Is Paulownia the Future?
As Paulownia trees reach toward the sky, they remind us of the enormous potential rooted in even a single hectare of land. With climate challenges looming, solutions that are as practical as they are magical deserve a closer look. Whether you’re a farmer, craftsman, or simply dream in green, it might be worth following the Gueguen brothers’ example—just be ready to roll up your sleeves. After all, fast growth doesn’t mean light work. But for the planet and the pocket, it’s an investment that could just change everything.
William is the creative mind behind Aversa Outdoor — a lifelong outdoor enthusiast with a deep love for gardening, home design, and everything in between.
He grew up surrounded by nature, spending weekends helping in the family garden and learning the joy of building things by hand. Over time, that passion turned into a mission: helping others create spaces they love, inside and out.
With Aversa Outdoor, William shares practical tips, fresh ideas, and a laid-back approach to home and garden living. Whether you’re planting your first herbs, planning a patio makeover, or just looking for inspiration, he’s here to make it simple, rewarding, and a little bit fun.
When he’s not in the garden or sketching his next DIY project, you’ll find him exploring local nurseries, chasing the perfect sunset light, or sipping coffee on the porch with a good book.
