Is It True That It's Forbidden to Cut Down a Fruit Tree?

The Torah says, "When you besiege a city for many days to wage war against it to capture it, you shall not destroy its trees by wielding an ax against them, for you may eat from them, but you shall not cut them down" (Deuteronomy 20:19). From this verse we derive that we may not uproot or cut down a fruit tree if we do not have an acceptable reason to do so.1

What exactly is considered an "acceptable reason"? The answer is not so clear. Some halachic authorities say that only the wanton destruction of a fruit tree is prohibited, but if we need the place it occupies, then it is permitted. Others prohibit cutting it down for the sake of just having open space to stroll, but permit doing so when the space is needed to build on. Others are even more stringent, and say that needing the place is not justification enough. They argue that only if the tree is damaging the ground, and thus also the surrounding trees or vines which are more valuable, is one permitted to cut it down.2

Considering all the different opinions on this matter, it is advisable to consult with your own rabbi and discuss the particulars of your own situation, as there are numerous factors to consider.

Its interesting to note that the rabbis extended the concept underlying this precept, known in Hebrew as Bal Tashchit, to include any wasteful or destructive act perpetrated upon things that can be of benefit to man.

On a deeper level, this injunction teaches us the importance of not squandering on unworthy pursuits our talents, our time, and our other precious resources entrusted to us by G‑d. It also underscores the Divine imperative for us to take matters concerning the preservation of our environment very seriously.

FOOTNOTES
1.	Maimonides, Laws of Kings 6:8.
2.	See Code of Jewish Law, Yoreh De'ah 116; Shulchan Aruch Harav, Shmirat haGuf ve'Nefesh ve'Bal Tashchit 15; Pitchei Teshuva, sub-par. 6; Aruch HaShulchan 116:13. See, too, "The Ethical Will of R. Yehudah HaChasid," par. 45.

By Eliezer Danzinger

Rabbi Eliezer Danzinger, first content editor for KabbalaOnline.org, is the translator and editor of several important Chasidic texts. He also serves as the Jewish chaplain for York Central Hospital, and for numerous Federal prisons. Rabbi Danzinger currently resides in Toronto, Canada, with his wife, Yehudis, and their children.

David Brook lives in Sydney, Australia, and has been selling his art since he was in high school. He is currently painting and doing web illustrations. To view or purchase David’s art, please visit davidasherbrook.com.

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November 8, 2012

cutting down fruit trees.

Could it also mean that at the time they were laying siege to a city, that they were not allowed to cut down the fruit trees, as it would be substance to them during the long siege. So yes mankind being led by the Lord G-d would have to listen so as not to provoke G-d to anger and lose the siege of the city. I would think this is in any situation to ask for wisdom from above the cost before applying the axe to anything.

Sientje Seinen
Canada

January 28, 2011

trees also feel

don't u think... that cutting trees will harm only u and ur next generation? don't u all understand that they can also feel... when u cut down some branches u don't feel anything... y? because u can't hear their pain... if u see a person's hand being slashed off, when he's screaming, crying 4 help, then? then u feel pity, right? its a shame... that u a partial, u can feel 4 one of ur kind and not 4 them u provide u? if there would have been no tree then remember there would have been no living form on earth. because during hunting period almost all the species were towards absolute extinction, only after the invention of agriculture it came to a halt. so u better change ur way of vision b4 it's too late, too late to save the earth...

11031997
seattle, USA

January 27, 2011

cutting down a fruit tree?

I would go further to consider the destruction of any crop producing plant without reason for beneficience. Sherman's march to the sea should be considered as an abomination. Warfare is evil enough in its own right, winning is not worth starving the population or wanton destruction of property...such as the bridges of Paris.

sbmcclean
Seabrook, tx

January 24, 2011

I don't think so

Only the trees of which you know that they are not trees for food, you shall destroy and cut them down; and you shall build bulwarks against the city that makes war with you, until it fall.

C FitzPatrick
Lawrenceville, GA
theshul.org

January 23, 2011

bible?

it is mentioned in the bible' DO NOT CUT TREES' as for Adam the only duty was up on him like all prophets is to declare and establish the oneness of GOD. as for Noah is was giving the permission by GOD to cut trees in order to prepare for his departures. may GOD has peace on their soul.

Alia Radjeb
cambridge, mass, usa

January 21, 2011

Forbidden to Cut Down a Fruit Tree?

God gave Adam dominion over everything as G-d has dominion over men. If He prohibited cutting down fruit trees, it must be a specific order. One has to read Bible more closely and pay attention and be more serious! Thanks.

Mr. Aamir Berni

January 20, 2011

nature is fading away!

it is mentioned in all holy books! leave the nature alone. trees has a life on its own and we really have to stop a minute and think about the generation to come, like they cut around the world christmas tree? it is silent CRIME. as if a place is needed to build on it? no exception to the rules... my father bought a beautiful land in the mediterranean covered w/ trees so i can built on it? i let it be.

alia Radjeb
cambridge, mass, usa

January 19, 2011

I feel sorrow for Israel blindness

The more I study the Bible, I see how Blindness has over come most of the Jewish people. I pray every day that this Blindness would be removed, and that Israel would see the Riches of G-d's love for them, and they would see the Grace He offers now. G-d Bless Israel and Peace for Jerusalem is our prayer.

ed
Conroe, Texas

April 28, 2010

cutting down trees

it's only fruit trees that have an issue, others are ok to cut down....
and out of the fruit trees, i believe that the very stringent view is that concerning the olive tree.

doron wipranik
los angeles, ca

February 19, 2010

Reply to 11031997

Why should cutting trees be forbidden? We use trees, for instance Noach built the ark out of trees, the Mishkan was built using cedar. Most likely the home you dwell in is built using wood. Your books, made from wood pulp. Perhaps it is better to change the way trees are cut down; no clear cutting for example. Replacing trees that are cut, for instance you can plant a tree (or many) in Israel right now. Using recycled paper products may reduce the volume as well. But forbidding the cutting of trees altogether does not make sense.

C FitzPatrick
Lawrenceville, Georgia USA
theshul.org

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