SCIENTIFIC VASTU | TREES AND PLANTS | An Architect Explains

One enters the house compound through the Main Gate. Usually if space is available, people like to have a small garden in the front as well as at the back of the Site. Vastu Shastra lays down guidelines on all aspects of house designing, including the planting of auspicious trees and plants around the house.  

Listed here are some Vastu Guidelines for trees and plants. Since Vastu is a science, every guideline is based on logic and scientific reasoning. As an Architect, I have attempted to explain these guidelines rationally and scientifically, under the following headings, so that you have a choice and can decide what you want to follow or what you don’t, instead of looking at Vastu as a superstition:

What trees should be planted in the house garden according to Vastu Shastra?
Where should the trees be planted in the plot according to Vastu?
Which plants should be planted in the house garden according to Vastu?

 


WHAT TREES SHOULD BE PLANTED IN THE HOUSE GARDEN ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA?
Some of the auspicious trees according to Vastu, that are good for the inmates are described below along with their usefulness:
PEEPAL TREE – It is also known as the Aswatha tree. Scientists have found that oxygen is produced in large amounts by the leaves of this tree and it is found in high concentration under the branches, probably due to the thick foliage. Hence it is considered very healthy to circumambulate this tree in the morning. Probably it is for this reason that it is considered a sacred tree and is worshiped in India. It is usually found near temples or temples are erected near Peepal trees. It has a very long life and can survive for centuries. It is prohibited from being cut. However, it is not suitable near a house, since it has far spreading roots which can affect the foundation of the building.
NEEM TREE – This tree has great medicinal value and its extract is used in pesticides. Neem leaf is used for curing many diseases like leprosy, eye disorders, intestinal worms, skin ulcers, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, gum disease (gingivitis), and liver problems. Its twigs are used to brush teeth and neem oil is used in physiotherapy. Since neem leaves are very bitter, a mixture of neem leaves, tender green mango and jaggery is eaten on Ugadi or the New Year in South India, as a symbolic gesture, that one is prepared to face the sweet, sour and bitter experiences of the coming year with equanimity. Therefore, this is a good tree to have in a house garden.

MANGO TREE – Most parts of the mango tree have medicinal value. It’s leaves are used as a pesticide, and its twigs are used for brushing teeth. The tender leaves of the mango tree contain tannins called anthocyanidins, which help in treating early diabetes.  Its leaves are used for puja purposes. It is considered very auspicious if the dead are cremated using mango tree fire-wood. Then of course, mango fruit is the king among fruits and very tasty. The raw mangoes are used for making pickles and as a vegetable.  Mango trees also have a very long life and can survive for 400-500 years. Obviously, this is also a very useful tree to have in your garden.

JACK-FRUIT TREE – Jackfruit is an Ayurvedic tree used for the treatment of wounds, Bell’s palsy, improving the body strength, diarrhea, skin diseases and cases of poisoning. Like the ‘mango tree, the jack-fruit tree also produces very tasty, seasonal, fruit in large numbers. The yellow juicy kernels inside the jackfruit are used to make different types of sweets and halvas. The raw fruit kernels are cut into strips and made into tasty jackfruit chips, a speciality of Kerala. The Jack-fruit’s seeds are also nutritious and are used like a vegetable in South India. The beautiful yellow coloured wood from this tree is used to make furniture, doors, windows etc. Its leaves are considered auspicious and are used for puja. Therefore, it is useful and can be planted in your garden.

BANANA TREE – The tender saplings of the banana tree are used for decorating doors of houses, pandals etc, during functions and festivals as they are symbols of prosperity and wealth. . Almost every part of the plant has some sort of economic or medicinal use. Bananas are available through the year and are very nutritious. Banana fruit is the best source for instant energy and are rich in potassium. Raw bananas are cooked and eaten like a vegetable. Banana leaves are used for eating traditional meals as they can be used and thrown and so are considered hygienic. The skin of the fruit is used in dyeing. The sap contains tannin and is used as marking ink.  From the dried leaf stalks, fibres can be made and they can form a sound kind of string and are also used for tying fences, etc. A lot of illnesses can be treated with concoctions made from the roots, stem, flowers, and leaves of the tree. As far as usefulness is concerned, only one other plant can compete with the `Banana Tree` and that is the coconut. So this is  a must-have in your garden.

COCONUT TREE – Every part of this tree is useful. The tender coconut water is a very healthy, cool, low fat drink. The coconut flesh is used in South Indian cooking in large amounts and gives it a distinctive flavour. The oil extracted from coconut is used in cooking as well as a hair oil. Coir is a very useful by-product which is used in making mats, carpets etc. The leaves of the coconut tree are weaved and used as roofing for huts by the poor. Its dry leaves are also used as fire-wood. It has a long life of about 100-150 years and is prohibited from being cut. Due to its usefulness it is considered a sacred tree. Hence it is considered a must, in every one’s garden.

SANDAL WOOD TREE-  Sandalwood is the second most expensive wood in the world, after African blackwood. Both the wood and the oil produce a distinctive fragrance that has been highly valued for centuries. The wood is used to make exquisite handicrafts. Sandalwood paste when applied on the forehead, cools the head, and so is used in temples and in hot places like Kerala. The sandalwood is used to make incence sticks. It is very rare to find sandalwood trees and hence there have been so many instances of robbers cutting down trees in the middle of the night, if found in any house compound. If you like this fragrant tre, it is a good idea to try and grow one- but you may need to secure it!


 


ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA, WHERE SHOULD THE TREES BE PLANTED IN THE PLOT?

Smaller shrubs– may be planted on the East or North sides, but no trees should be planted in the North-East corner as they block the useful morning sun rays.

Tall trees– like Coconut can be planted in the South-West, West sides but should should not be too close to a building as they block the sunlight completely. A tree should be planted such that it’s shadow should not fall on the house, at least between 9.A.M to 3P.M.

Large trees– like Peepal, Banyan should not be located too near the house as their roots can damage the foundation and compound wall. Also, the large trees absorb most of the sunlight, meaning these positive rays will not be received by the building.

Good trees– that can be planted in a house compound are useful trees like coconut, neem, betel, sandalwood, lemon, pineapple, bilva, almond, jackfruit, pomegranate, mango, amla, and katha.

Avoid flowering trees in gardens: Reason – They shed leaves during the summer.

Trees with insects, worms, honey bees, bumble bee, owls, serpents, should be avoided for obvious reasons.

If a tree must be removed because it is inauspicious or for other reasons, the day before cutting the tree, one should express regret to the tree, and it must be removed from its rooting. A new tree should be planted in its place within the next three months. This is a way of conserving nature.

 


ACCORDING TO VASTU SHASTRA, WHICH PLANTS ARE TO BE GROWN IN THE HOUSE GARDEN?

TULASI (BASIL) – It is also known as holy Basil and it is always good to grow a Tulasi plant on one’s property. Tulasi should be located on the North, North-East, or East sides of the house, or in front of the house. Tulasi is a medicinal plant and is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicines. It purifies the blood and improves the digestive system. It is believed to be useful in treating many types of diseases. Hence it is recommended to eat a few leaves every day. Its probably for this reason, that it is considered a sacred plant and used in daily worship.

Thulsi is a sacred plant and used in daily worship

THORNY PLANTS – Thorny plants should not be planted near the house. Cactus should not be planted at all. Thorny plants other than roses have a negative energy. Ideally all thorny plants should be pulled up and destroyed. The reason could be that the thorns can hurt you when you brush past them.

JASMINE – In general, plants with sweet smelling flowers like jasmine, red lotus, blue lotus etc are good in the house compound as they give out a pleasant perfume, and can also be used in daily worship. Flowers like the Jasmine are stringed together and used as a decoration on the hair by Indian ladies. Moreover, as these flowers are produced round the year, they are always available.

Jasmine flowers are used to string garlands and for pooja

CREEPERS – Creepers or other plants should not be grown using the building or compound wall as a support as their clingers will  slowly creep into tiny cracks in the walls and gradually widen them as they grow, causing damage and seeepage of water through the walls. Creepers should only be grown in a garden, and they should have their own independent supports. A creeper like a money plant can be grown within the house  but should not be grown outside, using a tree for support.

FLOWER POTS – Flower pots should not be kept on the  compound wall  in the North, East or North-East as they will block the useful morning sunlight coming in from these directions. Flower pots and decorative plants can be placed on the ground in these directions, but they should  not grow taller than 3 feet.

LAWNS AND WATER BODIES– Lawns should be in the East or the North.  A small water-fall of three to four feet or a water body  can  be constructed in the East or the North leaving the North-East corner. If there is a swimming pool in the garden, it should be in  the North or North-East direction, so that the people using the pool benefit from the sun rays and also, the water will get purified by the  U.V rays of the Sunlight.

BENCHES – Benches are useful in big gardens and can be placed in the open space in the East and the North direction so that people sitting in these directions, can benefit from the useful sun rays.

This post was about the Vastu guidelines regarding the useful trees and plants that can be planted in a House garden. One passes through the front garden to reach the front Verandah and it is adjacent to the Car Porch. Read about the Vastu guidelines for these spaces, here:




If you found this post useful, all it takes is a simple click on the “pin it” “like,” “share,” “tweet,” or Google+ buttons below the post. 

Related Topics:

285 thoughts on “SCIENTIFIC VASTU | TREES AND PLANTS | An Architect Explains

  • April 24, 2018 at 4:15 am
    Permalink

    Sir i want to buy a plot which direction is ne,in fron of my plot is road after and then a medh of a talab.on the bondaries of talab a peepal tree which morning shadow 2hr on my plot it is good or not.2 thing on the north corner after the road the shadow of bamboo tree also fallen2 hr on morning on my plot what can i do buy it or not

  • April 28, 2018 at 6:37 pm
    Permalink

    In my plot, Northwest side three Shami tree’s are there, one tree branch is centre of plot, effect for construction.. pls explain cutting the branch is good or bad.. some vastu consultant says Shami tree’s cutting is not good.. pls suggest me for further…
    Thanks..
    Hi,
    Any tree that affects the construction should be cut down.
    Admin

  • April 29, 2018 at 11:58 pm
    Permalink

    dear sir,
    i like datura tree and planted it in a pot ,but my wife is telling this should not be grown in the compound
    Hi,
    Datura has egg- shaped fruits, covered with prickles. So it can cause harm to a person who passes near it. That is why it is not preferred though it has medicinal benefits. If you need it for some specific purpose, then keep it but at a safe distance from your pathway in the garden.
    Admin

  • May 2, 2018 at 1:17 am
    Permalink

    We have two badam trees in front of my house facing north. Some of my friends saying badam is not auspicious to have in front of house. My family wants to cut those trees. Personally I dislike to cut them down.Need your advice pl.
    Hi,
    Badam tree is a useful tree. So according to me, you need not cut it.
    Admin

  • May 4, 2018 at 7:04 am
    Permalink

    Sir I have nearly 20 flower pots with different plants, like money plant, chamanthi, tulasi etc. I am staying in independent rented house, north facing with compound wall four side. Kindly suggest me which side should not keep the pots.
    Hi,
    Keep the thulasi in the NE corner. the rest you can keep wherever you like, along the compound walls.
    Admin

  • May 12, 2018 at 7:11 pm
    Permalink

    Hello sir ,
    There is a jujube (ber) tree in front of main gate of my home . Should I cut it down , because I have heard that it is not good as per vastu
    Hi,
    Avoid having any tree right in front of your gate or main door.
    Admin

  • May 24, 2018 at 7:52 pm
    Permalink

    Hello sir,
    Good day.
    I have my house facing west. There is an almond tree to the left of the house entrance. Is it good to have it or should it be removed? Please guide.
    Hi,
    Almond tree is a useful tree and so it can be retained. According to me there is no need to remove it.
    Admin

  • June 15, 2018 at 12:07 am
    Permalink

    Sir, I am Ravi which side of the house is Planting Nellikka plant is suitable ? ……
    Hi,
    You can have it near the NE side but not in the NE corner.
    Admin

  • June 17, 2018 at 4:25 am
    Permalink

    Sir my house is east facing house. We have little space in the back yard. Can we place lemon tree over there.
    Hi,
    Yes you can do that.
    Admin

  • July 5, 2018 at 2:16 am
    Permalink

    Is it ok to plant karuveppilai plant in front of the main door of the house in the garden
    Hi,
    Avoid any tree in front of the main door.
    Admin

  • August 23, 2018 at 5:36 am
    Permalink

    Sir can I plant Ashoka and Kadam trees outside of my house just in front of my house.
    Hi,
    You can but remember that they will obstruct light to your house.
    Admin

  • August 25, 2018 at 1:37 am
    Permalink

    Thank you for sharing the great information. I learned good information from your article.
    Hi,
    Thank you for taking the time to leave an appreciative comment.
    Admin

  • August 25, 2018 at 1:42 am
    Permalink

    Respected Sir:

    My house is facing North East.
    Can you please suggest any live plant to around the house to avoid quarrels between husband and wife.
    Hi,
    I dont think any plant will prevent quarrels between spouses. But it is good to have geenery near a house. have short shrubs and creepers, climbers like bougainvillae.
    Admin

  • September 22, 2018 at 6:56 pm
    Permalink

    An informative article… Thank you.
    Hi,
    Thank you for the appreciation.
    Admin

  • September 22, 2018 at 9:18 pm
    Permalink

    where is the correct location to plant chembakam plant in a house

  • October 23, 2018 at 8:04 pm
    Permalink

    We have almond tree adjoining to entry gate of house and it cover complete window of one of bed room please advise it is good to have almond tree in that place.

  • December 27, 2018 at 9:55 pm
    Permalink

    Sir, we have a big mango tree at front of the plot ( width of the plot is 11 mtr) near the compound wall . distance of the house to be constructed is 7 mtr from the mango tree shall I cut it or keep it.

  • January 4, 2019 at 9:57 pm
    Permalink

    Is it auspicious to plant neem and bel tree togather and in which direction

  • March 22, 2019 at 9:26 pm
    Permalink

    Can we plant panneer pushpam tree in the house?

  • March 26, 2019 at 4:38 am
    Permalink

    Hi, in my garden parijatham plant is there which is of above 5’ height. But recently only that plant was dried I all the plants. Is it auspices

  • April 1, 2019 at 3:37 pm
    Permalink

    HI,

    Can we have tamarind tree in the house garden?

    Thanks

  • April 4, 2019 at 8:19 am
    Permalink

    hai sir,

    we have a big neem tree in middle of our house infront of main doors line can it be like that?

  • April 27, 2019 at 1:16 am
    Permalink

    We have a plot (empty-yet to construct) which is trapezium shaped and facing North-east. An Ekkadayele-Arka plant (shrub) with white flowers has grown in the north-west corner. Is it inauspicious and can it be removed? Thanks in advance!!

  • May 14, 2019 at 6:00 pm
    Permalink

    Hi,

    A friend gifted us a Bonsai tree that is 25 years old. We have kept it in our Farm. Can you. Pls Advise if we can keep it in our farm or do we need to Give it away? If we can keep. It, where in the farm can we keep it? If we have to give it away, who or where do we gift it to? Pls Advise.

  • June 16, 2019 at 3:38 am
    Permalink

    Sir,
    I greatly appreciate you for your knowledge -packed article.
    But there is a belief that lemon tree should not be planted.
    Is it true? If true why? What shall be the consequence if it is planted?

  • August 16, 2019 at 5:25 am
    Permalink

    Hi sir,
    My house is facing Easting.
    Infront we planted Throny plant , could you please suggest can we grown or not. and please let me know what all plants can be planted infront of house which gives an positive energy in home and peacefulness.

  • August 22, 2019 at 9:54 am
    Permalink

    Hi..we are living in a rented accommodation n we have huge trees of banyan, peepal etc infront of our house as there is a park opposite our house..these trees are grown along side throughout.. kindly suggest if anything can be done.thanks

  • August 26, 2019 at 7:44 am
    Permalink

    Is it good to have bamboo tree and been tree in front of house

  • September 8, 2019 at 1:21 am
    Permalink

    Hi, we have a mango tree plant at the main gate of our house which is east facing

    Should we keep it

  • March 13, 2020 at 8:08 am
    Permalink

    I’m from india.infront my home there is old well nd anjeer tree is grown.we close the well nd anjeer tree becomes big now anjeer tree is in front of my home.pls suggest some solution for this ..we r experiencing back to back bad incidentents accident health issues nd many more ..can anjeer tree in front of my home is bad for us ….?

  • April 13, 2020 at 9:43 pm
    Permalink

    I have a coconut tree in my house compound at northeast side & one arjune tree at north side , can I continue?

  • April 22, 2020 at 9:14 pm
    Permalink

    Sir, One thing I like to know about the submerged tube well that I have bored in Southeast corner, is it alright ?

  • December 23, 2020 at 5:26 pm
    Permalink

    Is it good or bad to have sandlewood tree near house. Please guide.

  • January 11, 2021 at 6:01 am
    Permalink

    Can I plant devadaru in my house compund.is it good for house

  • March 23, 2021 at 4:24 am
    Permalink

    Hi ,
    I wanted to do plotting of 1.5 K to 2 K sq ft in 20 K sq plot .
    pl suggest what plants / trees I can plant before selling the plots .
    plot size approx 35 x 40 ft

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

error: Content is protected !!