TTfT1489. A person is not allowed to damage himself. Likewise a person is not allowed to chop down his own trees. This mitzvah is called Baal Tashchis and prohibits a person from doing damage to himself or his property, if he does not have a proper reason to do so.

In this session we discuss the Nazir who deprives himself of wine, but is doing so for a higher calling.

There is a concept of tearing a garment as an expression of loss. But tearing too many garments, or damaging one’s-self would be prohibited.

Tosfos observes that Shmuel tore 13 garments upon the passing of Rav. This was not considered “too much,” due to their unique relationship.

We are especially careful not to cut down a fruit tree, unless a specific set of criteria are met. This question is sometimes posed to poskim when a fruit tree is situated in a place that infringes on an extension. Certainly, care should be taken when planting a fruit tree in ones yard, to do so in a way that will not infringe on possible, future building plans.

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