Can You Save a Bent Royal Empress Tree Sapling?

If your newly arrived Royal Empress tree (Paulownia tomentosa) has a creased or bent top, the vascular tissue (cambium) is likely damaged. Taping rarely helps—here's why and what to do.

Why Taping Usually Fails

The cambium layer transports water and nutrients. A sharp bend crushes or separates these cells, cutting off flow to the top. Unlike a clean cut (which can heal), a crease creates a permanent blockage. Tape can't restore cellular continuity.

Assess the Damage

• If the bend is above the lowest healthy leaves, the top will likely die back.
• If the lower trunk and roots are intact, the tree will resprout from below the damage.

Best Course of Action

1. Don't tape—it traps moisture and invites disease.
2. Wait 2–3 weeks. If the top browns and buds don't swell, cut it back to the first strong, green bud or side branch.
3. Make a clean, angled cut ¼ inch above a healthy bud.
4. The tree will push new leaders from below. Select the straightest as the new central leader.

Long-Term Outlook

Paulownia grows extremely fast. Even if the top is lost, a healthy root system will produce a straight, vigorous replacement leader within one season. Many growers intentionally coppice them for straight timber.

Focus on root health: water consistently, mulch, and avoid fertilizer the first year. The tree will recover.