Falling Branches!

I love this tree, it's in my front yard and it's simply amazing in the spring with it's flowers, and the giant leaves are super cool, but a couple of weeks ago two large branches just fell off (see photo). Normally I'd just spend some time and prune back the whole tree to shape it and take some pressure off the branches, the problem is, that all the growth and flower buds are on the ends of the branches, and the flower buds take at least two years to form, so it seems like if I trim it back I'll lose at least a couple of years of coolness. Any Suggestions? Do you think I should just do it and hope for the best? Will the flower buds ever come back? Can you tell I'm a little nervous?

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Might help if we knew what kind of a 'Cool Tree' you had!

Sorry Mitch!!! I did not see the "Paulownia" at the very top, I jumped the gun. I really don't have much experience with this tree. But I do know it is fast growing if you 'treat it well'. I understand they get to 40 or 50 feet pretty fast. Because it is a fast growing tree it probably "needs to be pruned or trimmed" when it is young to produce a stronger tree. Not really sure what to say now that the limb has come off. I guess stand back and take a look to see if the tree is 'unbalanced'. You may have to trim it back to make it look good, and sacrafice the blooms for a year or two. See what others may say, for sure I'm no expert on this one. BUT maybe in the long run you should bight the bullet now for a nice tree in the future. They are fast growing and maybe by next year the tree will look even 'cooler'

What kind of tree is it? From the picture it appears that there is internal damage at the top of the wound.

Hi Salvialady, it's a Paulownia tomentosa- Empress Tree, It's a little tricky, but the name of the plant is the title of the post. This is what a forum post looks like when you use the little 'forum' link from your plant list.

thanks walter - most of the crotch angles look pretty good, and you're right it does grow really fast. I actually bought it at your store just 4 years ago and it was three feet tall, it's now at least 25 feet which really makes a statement, especially in the spring. I'm going to take your advice and do a little judicious shaping and try and get it better for the long run.