Interview with The New York Sun - Feng Shui, Trees and Bensonhurst
I was interviewed by Jennifer Doherty of The New York Sun regarding a situation with residents of Brooklyn’s Bensonhurst neighborhood. The residents’ concern relates to trees being planted in front of their homes, more specifically, where they align with the actual front door. Why? The principles of Feng Shui say that by arranging a tree in such a way, it obstructs good energy from entering your life (a.k.a. opportunities, health, wealth, relationships, etc.). In Feng Shui, it’s very important to allow the front of the home, also known as Ming Tang (Bright Hall), to remain open and airy.
This house has no trees or landscaping. It’s advised to have some low-sitting landscaping because it helps gather and hold energy more efficiently. This could include low-sitting bushes, flower beds, etc.
The tree has been planted directly infront of the main entrance, which is a no-no in Feng Shui.
Tree is planted to the left of the main entrance, which is better. However, some may still advise against this due to Form School teachings.
Tree is planted to the right of the main entrance, which is better. However, some may still advise against this due to Form School teachings.
A common question is: can trees still be planted to the left and right of a home’s front door? Yes! If you do this, just make sure the tree's branches do not impede the walking pathway leading to the front door (or any exterior doorway) or grow in front of the door leading into the home.
Another great tip is to select trees, bushes, shrubs, and flowers that are native to the ecosystem. This offers greater support to the land, literally and energetically. Making sure tree roots have enough space to grow is also very helpful. Overall, encouraging the establishment of green cities and urban neighbourhoods has proven benefits which include the reduction of energy use, lower greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, enhanced stormwater management and water quality, improved quality of life, and improved social equity.
When designing any landscape, the principles of Feng Shui tend to be very particular about what is considered good vs. not. In this situation with the Bensonhurst neighborhood, the city’s first step could be to listen, communicate, and collaborate with community leaders to find the best resolution for where to plant the trees and add more greenery.
As shared, one of the most immediate Feng Shui tips to keep in mind is not to plant trees directly across from home entrances. Planting a tree to the left or right of the front door is a better option. However, even with that known, Feng Shui is subjective. Some followers of Feng Shui will be more lenient than others about what is considered good tree placement vs. not. The reality is some people who follow Feng Shui may be very strict and not want trees in front of their property at all. When it comes to addressing an entire neighborhood and community, there is no easy answer.
The NYC Parks Department is up against a 5,000 year beleif and that will not change overnight. If people fear having a tree, utility pole, or something else that is not seen as ‘good’ Feng Shui placed in front of their house or main doorway alignment, they will fight and reject the idea, even if the idea (in this case planting trees) is meant to be beneficial. The hope is that the Bensonhurst community and Parks Department come to a resolution that is satisfactory to all. It’s also important that the Bensonhurst community respect the trees and do not harm them out of fear after they have been planted because trees are living beings. I invite you to read this article posted by BBC Earth, titled “Plants Have Feelings Too.”
