Q&A: The Sabbatical Year
The Sabbatical Year
Question
Rabbi Michi, hello!
We need to remove a palm tree from the yard and pave the area instead. What should be done with the palm tree? Is it permissible to replant it during the Sabbatical year, or should it be thrown away?
Answer
Seemingly, it is possible to uproot it together with the entire clump of earth and transfer it directly into other soil, in such a way that throughout the whole process it remains above soil. However, there is a problem here, but if this is land that was sold to a non-Jew, then it is permitted. If not, it is difficult to permit. The best option is to place it in a non-perforated flowerpot (or on a detached growing medium) until after the Sabbatical year. One should note that the counting of the years of orlah begins again.
See here, where they prohibit it: https://www.toraland.org.il/4055?gclid=Cj0KCQjwt-6LBhDlARIsAIPRQcKuRxvu3EeKQmkrrmCbdPHtnZMNkZNgFvpQg5e2wHk6GgneF1kM1kgaAnbtEALw_wcB
See also here: https://www.inn.co.il/news/276914