In East Asian culture, especially in Vietnam, arranging homes and plants according to Feng Shui has always been important. One of the most common sayings passed down through generations is, “Avoid planting large trees in front of your house,” as it is believed to bring bad luck and negatively impact the family’s wealth, health, and peace. However, with today’s modern lifestyle, is this belief still relevant? Let’s explore this further in the article below.
1. What are the reasons behind this traditional belief?
a) Blocking Yang energy and sunlight
In traditional Feng Shui, the front of a house is where positive energy, sunlight, and natural energy enter. Planting a large tree with a wide canopy and thick trunk directly in front of the door will block the sunlight and Yang energy from entering the house, disrupting the balance of Yin and Yang. This can lead to stagnant energy, affecting the health and luck of the household.
Large trees, especially old ones, tend to accumulate Yin energy, creating a gloomy and damp atmosphere in front of the house. According to ancient beliefs, this could lead to illnesses, misfortunes, or difficulties in career advancement.
b) Obstructing view and traffic
A large tree in front of a house not only blocks sunlight but also obstructs the view, making it difficult to observe incoming and outgoing activities. For houses located on busy streets, a large tree can also hinder traffic and cause inconvenience in daily life. In Feng Shui, a clear and unobstructed view in front of the house is considered a sign of openness, growth, and smooth flow of energy.
c) Symbol of “Am Tien Sat”
Some ancient Feng Shui schools of thought believe that tall, slender trees with exposed roots can become a symbol of “Am Tien Sat,” which translates to negative energy directly targeting the house. If the tree is dry, leafless, or has a broken shape, it is considered even more unlucky.
d) Impacting structural integrity and safety
From a practical perspective, large trees have extensive root systems that can damage foundations if planted too close to a house. They can also cause wall cracks and water pipe damage. During stormy weather, there is a risk of the tree falling or dropping branches, posing a direct threat to property and human safety.
2. Is this belief still relevant in modern times?
In today’s society, many people are re-evaluating this belief and considering the benefits of planting trees in front of their homes. However, the warnings from ancient wisdom are not entirely unfounded, considering both Feng Shui and construction perspectives.
a) Feng Shui, aesthetics, and economics remain relevant
While not absolute, Feng Shui is an art of arranging one’s environment, taking into account sunlight, air flow, and human psychology. Therefore, it is still advisable to avoid planting large trees directly in front of the house to maintain positive energy within the home.
For businesses with storefronts, a large tree blocking the view and signage can be disadvantageous.
b) Greenery can bring benefits when properly arranged
Nowadays, with a growing environmental consciousness and a desire to live closer to nature, many people choose to plant trees in front of their homes to provide shade, reduce dust, and improve air quality. If the right type of tree is chosen and planted in a suitable location, this practice can bring about positive Feng Shui rather than harm.
3. What to do if there is already a large tree in front of your house?
If there is already a large tree in front of your house, don’t panic. Consider the following factors to decide whether to keep, prune, or relocate it:
a) Tree’s location
If the tree is slightly off to the side and does not completely block the main entrance, it will have less impact on the Feng Shui.
However, if the tree is directly in front of the main door or blocking a pathway, consider pruning its canopy or relocating it.
b) Type of tree
Trees with moderate canopies that don’t spread too widely and have strong, non-invasive root systems, such as areca palm, coconut palm, or banyan, are generally recommended.
Trees with extensive root systems that are prone to falling or bearing large fruits like mango, jackfruit, or banyan, should be avoided.
c) Tree’s condition
If the tree is healthy, with lush leaves and no signs of pest infestation, it can be kept. Regular pruning and proper care are necessary to maintain its health.
However, if the tree shows signs of drying, rot, or leaning, immediate action is required to ensure safety.
4. Balancing act: How to plant trees in a Feng Shui-friendly manner?
a) Prioritize planting trees on the sides or back of the house
In Feng Shui, planting trees on the left (Green Dragon) and right (White Tiger) sides of the house is believed to bring good fortune to the residents. Trees at the back (Black Tortoise) also provide solid support for careers and health. Trees in front of the house should be small and used as subtle accents.
b) Choose lucky and low-maintenance plants
Some Feng Shui-friendly plants to consider planting near your home include:
Areca palm or coconut palm: Small canopy, tall trunk, doesn’t block light, and symbolizes purity.
Bamboo: Represents strength and abundance.
Golden shower tree: Attractive flowers symbolize wealth and prosperity.
The ancient wisdom of avoiding large trees in front of the house is not without reason. While we may have a more flexible perspective today, it is essential to remain cautious when arranging plants around our homes. Striking a balance between Feng Shui, construction considerations, and the desire for a green living space will create a safe, healthy, and fortunate environment.
If there is a large tree in front of your house, carefully observe and adjust it to ensure both aesthetic appeal and positive energy for your home.
The information in this article is for reference only.
