Here’s the translation of the text into English:
The "Five Yin Trees" in Maiyi Physiognomy and The Yishan Records
According to The Yishan Records, the "Five Yin Trees" refer to pine, cypress, pagoda tree (Chinese scholar tree), elm, and juniper.
These five types of trees thrive in shade, have long lifespans, and are exceptionally effective at accumulating yin energy, creating yin-dominated spaces. Furthermore, shade-loving insects and snakes often inhabit them. For this reason:
Pine and cypress are typically planted in graveyards to guard yin dwellings.
Elm and juniper are commonly planted near temples or ancestral halls, as they are strongly discouraged near residential homes (yang dwellings).
As for pagoda trees (槐树), though not particularly large, their branches grow densely. Once mature, their foliage blocks sunlight entirely, preventing yang energy from entering. A single pagoda tree in a courtyard can cast heavy shade, let alone multiple trees.
The Chinese character for pagoda tree, "槐," combines "木" (wood) and "鬼" (ghost), symbolizing its extreme yin nature. Planting multiple pagoda trees in a courtyard, especially facing the main gate, hinders yang energy from entering, inevitably saturating the home with yin energy.
Other Inauspicious Trees
Beyond the Five Yin Trees, the text also mentions other unlucky trees. A residence planted with multiple inauspicious species violates major principles of yang dwelling feng shui, inviting misfortune.
The Yishan Records further states:
"No mulberry trees in front, no willows behind, and no ‘ghost-clapping’ trees in the yard."
This refers to three additional taboo trees:
Mulberry (桑): Its name homophones with "丧" (mourning/death), making it inauspicious for homes.
Willow (柳): Willow branches are used for funeral banners, mourning sticks, and grave markers, rendering them unlucky for residential areas.
Poplar (杨): Known as "ghost-clapping trees," their leaves create loud rustling noises in the wind. By day, this is harmless, but at night, the eerie shadows and unsettling sounds fray nerves over time, harming mental well-being.
Thus, these trees are strictly avoided in feng shui for yang dwellings.
This translation preserves the original technical terms (e.g., yin/yang energy) while clarifying cultural nuances and symbolic meanings for English readers. Let me know if further adjustments are needed!