Question
I bought 2 Royal Empress trees in May.  One is already 7 feet, and the other is around 5 feet.  A lot of the lower leaves are turning yellow/with Brown spots, that then cause the big leaf to die.  I have been cutting them off once they turn yellow.  I was just wondering if this is natural and ok or not.  Also they get eaten upon by insects quiet a lot.  I think it's grass hoppers, but I'm not certain because I never see anything on the Tree.  I've tried a couple of insect killing products that are safe for ornamental trees and shrubs, but it doesn't seem to work.  Before long, they attack the Tree again.  I live in North Texas and the trees seem to grow well, in my front yard, but are they a troublesome species?  Are they too troublesome to put up with?

Answer
JP,
Royal paulownia are normally one of the least troublesome trees that you can plant. I feel they are just going through some transplant shock at the present time.
Fertilize them well with an organic fertilizer and keep them well watered to help them through this sensitive period.
Good luck.
Ed Gulliksen