Bensonhurst Residents Express Concerns Over Tree Planting, Citing Feng Shui

Residents in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, are voicing strong objections to a city initiative to plant new trees, citing concerns that the placement will disrupt the neighborhood's Feng Shui and bring bad luck. The opposition centers on at least seven planned tree locations that would be situated directly in front of homes, which some residents believe will block the flow of positive energy and invite negative spirits.

Tina Tam, a 65-year-old resident, expressed her unease, stating, "For the Chinese residents who live here, this is not simply about the appearance of a tree. This is the entrance of our home. The place we and our families must pass through every single day. It can affect our sense of comfort and peace when entering and leaving our own home." She added, "We are nervous… This is our superstition."

The tree planting is part of New York City's Urban Forest Plan, which aims to significantly increase tree canopy coverage across the five boroughs in the coming years. Mayor Mamdani announced that 18,261 trees have been planted in fiscal year 2026, the highest number since 2016, to mitigate heat and expand green spaces.

However, the stickers indicating new tree locations have been interpreted as a bad omen by many in the Bensonhurst community, who adhere to the ancient Chinese tradition of Feng Shui. This practice focuses on arranging living spaces to promote harmony and maximize good energy.

"When we bought the house, we observed there’s no tree, so we picked right away. It was perfect," said Wendy Chen, 38, through a translator. Both Chen and Tam indicated that they would consider moving if the trees are planted as planned.

Feng Shui master RD Chin explained that any object obstructing a front entrance disrupts the "Ming Tang," the welcoming space where energy flows. "As a resident, what do you see in front you? Your life is blocked. There’s that symbolism that something is blocking your way… If that’s in front of my front door, I would probably make a stink about it," Chin said.

While trees are generally considered beneficial for positive energy, their placement is crucial, according to Chin. "Planting the trees will enhance the chi energy of the neighborhood, because you’re creating mother nature to be part of our human existence. And that’s good. This is part of being in the natural environment," he noted.

Robert Luo, a Bensonhurst-based Feng Shui expert assisting the residents, warned of potential negative consequences. "Residents could get a lot of bad luck, they could get an illness, they get into a car accident. The money God cannot come to the home. Things like that," Luo stated.

City Councilmember Susan Zhuang has engaged with the Parks Department on behalf of the concerned residents. "Let me be clear: Bensonhurst loves trees and wants shade on hot summer days, cleaner air, and greener blocks for our kids and seniors, but with respect to Chinese Culture," Zhuang said. "I’m confident we can work together to plant every tree this neighborhood deserves while honoring the community that lives here."

A spokesperson for the Parks Department confirmed ongoing communication with Zhuang's office to address community concerns while proceeding with the Urban Forest Plan, which is mandated by Local Law 148 of 2023. "We are always ready to work with community leaders and members to accommodate concerns when planting, while ensuring we fulfill our mandate to expand the City’s urban tree canopy," the department stated.