Grow more from the land you already have.
We provide the trees, the training, and a buyer for the lumber, at no cost. You provide the land. You keep 50% of the gross profits from the first harvest, and every harvest after that is 100% yours.
The terms, in figures.
- First harvest
- 50%
- Seedling cost
- $0
- Ownership
- 100%
Of gross profits go to you
Trees and training included
Of every tree after first harvest
How it works, plainly.
Five steps from application to your first harvest.
- 01
You apply with land you control
The land should be underutilized, not competing with food production, and in a warm, wet growing zone. It should have well-drained soil and a water table deep enough to keep roots healthy.
- 02
We assess the land and confirm the fit
An agronomist reviews your site data, confirms viability, and provides a free in-person survey.
- 03
We deliver the trees and the training
World Tree provides specially selected seedlings for planting at 110 trees per acre, along with a grower's guide and support from a regional forester.
- 04
You care for the trees
From planting, protecting, and pruning, the first three years matter most. With year round help from our forester, you irrigate and fertilize as needed to produce the highest-quality timber.
- 05
We handle the harvest and the sale
World Tree handles the cruise, harvest, milling, and sale, while you keep 50% of the gross profits. After contract completion, the trees are entirely yours.
You grow the trees. We handle everything else.
Our job is to remove every barrier between you and a productive timber crop before the first tree goes in.
01
Trees
We provide Paulownia varieties from our nurseries for planting at 110 trees per acre, matched to your specific soil and growing zone.
02
Guarantee
We replace up to 25% of your planted trees in the first two years at no cost.
03
Knowledge
Our team provides onsite visits, written reports, and a management guide.
04
Harvest
World Tree handles the inventory, harvest logistics, and milling.
05
Market
We manage the sale of your lumber, with active customers in furniture, musical instruments, marine, cladding, and millwork.
After the first harvest, the trees are yours.
Paulownia regenerates from the stump without replanting, up to seven times from a single root system. One planting can keep producing for decades, and after the first harvest it is entirely yours.
- Regrows from the stump, no replanting
- Up to 7 regenerations from one root system
- 100% yours after the first harvest
What the numbers look like.
Well-pruned, well-managed trees produce wide, straight, knot-free logs that earn the best price. The chart below shows potential gross revenue per acre across yield and price scenarios; your share is half of the gross profits at first harvest.
Paulownia lumber sells for $3 to $14 per board foot depending on grade. We calculate a blended average of $5.89 per board foot. Actual results may vary and future market conditions are unknown.
We already have a buyer for your lumber.
We have spent years building the market for paulownia, and buyers are already placing orders. The demand will be there when your trees are ready to harvest.
01
Construction and architecture
California's wildland code now requires Class A materials in hazard zones. Paulownia qualifies with no treatment.
02
Furniture and interiors
A furniture studio cut product weight by 30% and made Paulownia its standard material.
03
Marine and board sports
A leading US wooden-surfboard builder sources from us, with potential for up to 40,000 board feet a year.
04
Musical instruments
Guitar and tonewood manufacturers specify Paulownia for its resonance and light weight.
“There's only two things you can grow in Alabama, that's rocks and trees. I figured I might as well plant some trees. The best part is my newest field. You look out across it, and every hole is full and green. It's just amazing.”
Does your land qualify?
We are actively enrolling in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Most farmers who apply are surprised by how well their land fits.
- Acres minimum
- 10 to 20
- USDA zone
- 7 to 10
- Max elevation
- 2,200 ft
- Summer warmth
- 70°F+
- Water table
- 5 ft
- Frost free days
- 120+
Underutilized land
Warm, wet growing season
Above sea level
Five to six months a year
Or deeper
Per growing season
Tell us about your land.
Send us your location and acreage, and we'll respond within two business days to let you know whether Paulownia is a good fit for your property. You can also email us directly at farmers@worldtree.eco.