🌿 Feng Shui Tips: What Happens When You Lose a Backyard Hedge?

By Master You

Kia ora, friends!Today we’re talking about something many Kiwis care deeply about: gardens, privacy—and harmony at home. This topic was sparked by a recent story from New Lynn, Auckland (Thu, 22 May 2025), where a couple woke up to find their beloved 50-year-old hedge suddenly gone—chopped down by developers next door.

A couple stands in shock beside the empty space where their cherished 50-year-old hedge once stood in New Lynn, Auckland—unexpectedly cut down by neighboring developers. Photo / Dean Purcell

But this isn’t just about losing greenery. In feng shui, that hedge played a powerful role in protecting the home. Let’s take a look at why backyard hedges matter, what happens when they disappear—and what you can do to fix it.

If you're also learning English or feng shui, this article is a great way to practice both! 🌱📚

🌳 Why the Back of Your House Matters in Feng Shui

In feng shui, every side of your home has symbolic meaning. The back is called the Black Tortoise position. Think of it as your home’s backbone—giving support, safety, and grounding.

A vibrant traditional house adorned with a large tortoise and intertwined snakes on its back, symbolizing protection in feng shui amidst a serene natural setting.

A tall hedge at the back (like the 4-metre one in the news) acts like a natural wall, protecting your energy. If it's suddenly removed, it can shake up your home’s stability—especially for health, career, and peace of mind.

💢 What Happens When the Hedge Is Gone?

Lush green hedges create a natural Feng Shui barrier, enhancing the energy flow and harmony around the house.

1. Loss of Privacy = Loss of Calm

The homeowners in the story now face construction noise, dust, and neighbours looking in.In feng shui terms, this breaks the peaceful energy at the back of the home—almost like leaving the front door wide open. You may feel restless, anxious, or like your space isn't fully yours anymore.

2. Loss of Protection = Work or Health May Suffer

A hedge blocks harsh wind, negative energy, and even bad luck coming from behind.When it’s gone, the house feels unprotected. If there’s a back unit or bedrooms at the rear, the impact is stronger. Feng shui teaches us this may affect men in the house, especially a second son, if there is one. If the land behind slopes downward, energy drains faster.

3. Construction Chaos = Disturbed Energy (Sha Qi)

Cutting down a hedge is a form of “moving earth”, which in feng shui stirs energy—sometimes in a bad way.In this case, the hedge was removed because of construction next door (building a retaining wall). If this happens in an unlucky direction or clashes with the homeowner’s zodiac sign, it can bring unexpected trouble.

🌟 What You Can Do to Fix It

Here are some practical and traditional feng shui solutions:

Enhance your space: Discover Feng Shui solutions to harmonize energy and create balance.

✅ 1. Replant Trees (Long-Term Solution)

The developer said they’ll replant smaller trees (1.5–2.5 metres). That’s a good start!But trees take time to grow, so you’ll need something to support your home’s energy in the meantime.

✅ 2. Build a Tall, Strong Fence

A solid fence gives back some privacy and protection.The news showed a narrow space behind the house, which means a normal fence might not be high enough. Aim for a taller fence, especially if your house is two storeys.

✅ 3. Use Feng Shui Tools

You can place:

• A Tai Shan Stone (太山石敢当) for protection, or

• A Bagua Mirror (八卦镜) to deflect negative energy

These should be placed carefully—especially if the new building next door has sharp angles or points aimed at your home.

✅ 4. Choose the Right Time

Before doing any planting or building, check a feng shui calendar (or ask a consultant) to pick a lucky date.Also, check if the direction of work clashes with your zodiac sign, especially during the Year of the Snake (2025).

✅ 5. Monitor the New Layout

Once the neighbour’s house is built, check:

• Is it much taller than yours?

• Does it block sunlight or cast shadows?

  
  

These changes may affect your feng shui. Add mirrors or plants as needed to balance it out.

May Qiu said the hedge was within her property but the developers say it was on the boundary between the properties. Photo / Dean Purcell 

🌱 Want to Learn More?

This story is a great example of how small changes can affect the energy of a home.If you’re curious to learn more about feng shui—or just want to practice your English while learning—join us!

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🧠 For English Learners: Feng Shui Vocabulary from This Article

Feng Shui Term	Meaning
Black Tortoise (玄武位)	The protective back of a house
Sha Qi (煞气)	Negative or harmful energy
Tai Shan Stone (太山石敢当)	A stone used for protection
Bagua Mirror (八卦镜)	A mirror used to deflect bad energy
Moving Earth (动土)	Digging or construction work that stirs energy

Let’s keep the good energy flowing!💬 Share your stories in the comments or join our next Zoom session.May your home stay safe, strong, and full of positive energy.

— Master You