Trees play an important role in the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui, mostly good and some bad, depending on a variety of factors. Believed to bring good luck, wealth and positive energy, sometimes these principles can work against trees around the home simply because of poor positioning or by simply ‘being in the wrong spot’.
Feng Shui, in a somewhat basic interpretation, revolves around the idea that the arrangement of objects and spaces in an environment can affect the flow of energy (qi). The ultimate goal is to create a balanced, harmonious living space that promotes health, prosperity and well-being. Trees, being such a vital component of nature, play an important role with their symbolism and influence on the flow of this energy.
Powerful symbols of vitality, growth and stability, trees are believed to be rooted in the Earth whilst their branches reach up to the heavens, thus creating a balance between stability and growth. The lush foliage of a tree is also representative of renewal, which nourishes both individuals and the space around them. Trees also help purify the air, reduce stress and improve overall emotional well-being.
So why then would a tree need to be removed if this were the case? In Feng Shui, the placement of trees and plants under the guiding principles is just as important as the choice of the tree itself. By positioning trees strategically, the positive energy they bring to areas can be harnessed and help create a solid foundation for personal growth and success. Existing trees can sometimes fall outside these principles, such as when a tree blocks a front door or a particular window, restricts natural light or casts large shadows.
Despite this, some solutions to bad tree positioning can avoid the removal of a tree altogether by the simple placement of other ‘balancing’ or ‘blocking’ aspects. Features such as a mirror or gazing ball to redirect negative energy, water features or ponds surrounded by flowering plants or a beautiful statue can be incorporated into your garden as potential solutions to poor tree positioning. Also, when considering the blocking of natural light by large trees, it must be taken into account that trees provide homes for insects and birds, which can often offset any negative energy created by way of ‘excessive shade’.
Not just limited to Feng Shui, it’s also important to care for your trees, ensuring they are healthy and well-maintained. Dead leaves, wilting branches, or unhealthy plants can create what’s referred to as stagnant energy, which may lead to negativity in your space. Tangled or overlapping branches can also disrupt the positive energy that trees bring to a garden. Keeping your trees healthy with regular pruning and shaping not only enhances their positive influence on the environment but also ensures that they continue to foster vitality and abundance.
Some other principles include never leaving a tree stump after removing a tree, as it can represent the cutting off of good health. Decluttering a yard can improve the flow of energy and boost overall mental health, but trees with spikes or thorns are given a wide berth, perhaps understandably so. Trees or a hedge can be used as a natural fence to block negative energy, such as that of an unappealing outlook from a busy road or other negative features.
It would be something of a disservice to try and cover everything in such a short article, so vast is the topic. But, in essence, more greenery in your garden is better for Feng Shui, and trees can nearly always be incorporated into any garden plan based on these ancient principles. Such is its finality; the removal of any tree should always be viewed as a last resort.
