I'm not in any way related to this startup, but in my experience trees that grow faster have lower-quality (weaker, less durable, but lighter) wood than slower-

I'm not in any way related to this startup, but in my experience trees that grow faster have lower-quality (weaker, less durable, but lighter) wood than slower-growing ones - this also includes the "empress tree". To quote Wikipedia, "Paulownia grown on plantations generally has widely spaced growth rings, meaning that it is soft and of little value". So "developing" trees that "grow faster, capture more carbon, and produce more durable wood" will be an interesting challenge...