This is the kanji for the さま honorific suffix, and is typically used for individuals of a higher rank than oneself, including customers, people one greatly admires, or divine entities.
Traditionally many of such Japanese divine entities towards whom this honorific would be used were considered to be a part of the landscape. The tree on the left of this kanji is not just a simple tree — it's a place where a deity resides. The water on the bottom is not just water — it is also an embodiment of a Japanese divine spirit. They wield the force of nature as they see fit and can easily ruin you if you're rude, so show some respect and use the 〜さま honorific!