Question
I have started 25 catalpa trees from seed. They are now about 24 inches tall. I can not find anything about pinching the top tiny leaves back to strengthen the trunk. Do you do that with these trees?

Answer
Hi Barbara,
Thanx for your question.  Generally, when I have grown trees from seed, I can pinch off the tip after the tree gets to a certain height and this will help it to branch out.  I often have catalpa seedlings come up in my yard because there is a 100+ year old tree in our alley.  The seedlings, grow fast and straight up at first.  Personally, I wouldn't tip them as they seem to grow naturally like this unless you are going for some kind of lower growing, more rotund type of tree.  Because I'm not a tree expert, I'd like for you to access our tree expert here on Allexperts.  His name is Jim Hyland and he has a lot of experience with the Forestry Service.  You can access him by going back to Home/Gardening and click on Trees and then click on Trees again.  I hope this helps.
Tom