According to industry statistics, the average lifespan of a landscape in the yard lasts 10-15 years. If a tree grows in your backyard for over 50 years, it is likely that it has reached a dangerous height. Tree removals happen more often in the US than some countries where trees in the backyard are inherited from their grandfathers and forefathers. This small business sector has thrived quite well during the pandemic.
In Daoist philosophy, all life form has a spiritual energy and it exists in balance with others around it. A tree in the backyard is no different from a beloved pet in the house. In science terms we call this a symbiotic relationship. According to Buddhism, all life has its reincarnation to cycle to the next.
Hence, in Eastern philosophy, the life of a venerable tree deserves to be put to rest quietly before death by a noisy wood cutting vehicle. For an alternative view to tree life, learn about a Buddhist ceremony before a tree removal. WBEZ Worldview also had a 9 minute podcast episode on the Spirituality of Trees.
To learn about the benefits of forest bathing, click here.
Photo taken by Oliver Wolf.
