We Removed the Giant Tree Southeast of Our House and Finally Got Our Evenings Back
A designer explains how a towering oak was blocking evening light and creating a gloomy living room, and what happened after it was taken down.
Location
Portland, United States
Property Type
House
Room
Living Room
Direction
Southeast
The Problem
The living room felt dark and cold after 4 PM. The culprit was a massive oak tree just southeast of the house, casting a heavy shadow over the main windows. The clients complained about low energy and a sense of gloom in the evenings.
What They Tried
We had the tree removed and replaced it with a low hedge. The change opened up the southeast exposure, allowing soft evening light to flood the room. We also repositioned the sofa to face the windows and added a light-colored rug to bounce the light.
What Happened
The room now feels warm and inviting. The clients report better mood and more time spent together in the living room.
Spatial Orientation
| Bagua Sector | 巽 ☴ · Xun |
|---|---|
| Direction | Southeast |
| Element | wood |
What works best here
Xun (4) · Wood. Southeast loves moderate height with an airy, open feel.
Place: tall leafy plants, natural fiber rugs, light wood tones, cream and soft green.
Recommended crystal
Citrine or Green Jade — placed on a wooden side table in the southeast corner
Perfect for a creative workspace or journaling spot; natural light is your friend here
Source Analysis
1. The Original Principle
Original Chinese
见宅午巳东巽巳来有高楼大树，皆不利，宜去之吉。
English Translation
An old text notes that a tall building or large tree to the southeast of a house is unfavorable and should be removed for good fortune.
2. About the Source
宅经 by Attributed to the Yellow Emperor · China · Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE), based on earlier traditions
The Classic of Dwellings is one of the earliest surviving Chinese texts dedicated entirely to residential architecture. It presents a holistic view of the home as a living organism — comparing the house to a body with its own anatomy of walls, doors, rooms, and courtyards. Its core teaching is that a well-arranged home supports the health and fortune of its inhabitants as naturally as good soil supports healthy plants.
3. How This Principle Applies to This Case
The classical principle warns against tall structures or trees to the southeast, which can block morning and early afternoon light. In this case, the oak tree cast a shadow that made the living room feel dark and uninviting. Modern psychology confirms that natural light boosts mood and energy; removing the obstruction restored the room's brightness and improved the clients' well-being. The solution aligns with the text's advice: remove what blocks the light, and the space thrives.
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Explore the HIMA ALAÏA collection →Related Elements
Case source
Simple Shui
One of America's most influential modern Feng Shui platforms. De-mystifies and modernizes ancient Feng Shui for the American middle-class lifestyle — spatial energy aesthetics for real life.