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Is it Bal Tashchis to destroy a crab apple tree?

Question:

Does the Torah prohibition of cutting down fruit trees apply to crab apple trees? One is curious as one might not likely ever eat a crab apple but they might be used in some recipe if that was any possibility on a special kitchen.

This would be interesting to discuss.

Thanks.

Answer:

 

It would appear that the Torah prohibition does not apply to crab apples, because people don’t eat them. However even trees that don’t bear fruit, according to some Rishonim should not be cut down for no reason. I provided you with some sources for your discussion.

Sources:

Rashi kesubos,79a D:H Zardasa, Hakesav V’ Hakabalah Devorim 20-20, Piskei Tosefos Pesachim 132,  See Sefer Eitz Hasadeh chapter 2-1 for a more in depth discussion.

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