Shemittah: The Land of Israel Takes a Sabbatical

Preparing the Ground for Planting

Clearing stones and any other debris from a field or garden during Shemittah is prohibited, as it is preparatory to plowing and sowing.

However, if one needs the stones, for example to construct something with them, one may take stones that are merely strewn on the ground. Stones that are partially or entirely embedded in the soil may not be removed, unless it's entirely obvious that the stones are to be used for building (e.g., the construction site is adjacent to the field).

Stones strewn on a pathway, even of dirt, may be removed even if they are embedded in the soil, as it is clear that one has no intention of planting there.

Gathering firewood to use for a barbecue is permitted, as it is clear what one's intentions are.

Fertilizing fields during Shemittah year is prohibited, even if one intends to postpone planting until the eighth year. This applies to gardens as well.

Weeding and Spraying

Clearing a field or garden of weeds which inhibit the growth of crops, plants, or flowers, is forbidden during Shemittah year.

Pesticide may be sprayed on fields to kill weeds that are choking plant growth; if it proves ineffective, the weeds may be removed carefully with a hoe, taking care not to turn over the soil.

In a garden, herbicide can be used to prevent weeds from growing. If they have already grown, however, they may not be uprooted during Shemittah year unless they are preventing use of the garden or path entirely, in which case they may be uprooted.

What one may do is cut the weeds down, leaving them taller than one usually would, as long as the intention is not to benefit the growth of surrounding shrubs and flowers.

Pruning

Pruning is forbidden during Shemittah, as it enhances growth. Trimming is likewise forbidden as it is closely related to pruning for the purpose of enhancing growth.

Trimming diseased or dried-out branches is permissible, as leaving them attached could harm growth; however, one must take care not to prune.

Cutting off branches to be used (such as for a sukkah covering, or firewood) is permitted during Shemittah. When doing so, one should make it obvious that the intention is not to prune the tree, such as by taking branches only from one side of the tree. One should not ask a gardener to do this job, as he will probably prune at the same time as he cuts.

Branches that block a passage or that pose a danger (such as those that touch electrical wires) may be cut.

Flowers may be picked to be used for ornamental purposes but not in order to promote additional flower growth.

Hedges that are styled in ornamental shapes may be trimmed for aesthetic purposes, unless the hedge is still sparse in growth and the trimming will encourage it to grow better.

Grass in a well-maintained lawn may be mown as this is done for aesthetic purposes and the grass itself does not grow more lushly if mown. However, if the grass is patchy or dried out, one may not cut it during Shemittah. In cases where this could result in a significant financial loss, one should consult a rabbi.

Watering

Watering (whether by hand, hose, or sprinkler system) is permitted during Shemittah year during the summer months when plants and flowers will die otherwise. During the winter months (unless there is confirmed drought and the plants could die), it is forbidden.

Indirect watering is generally permitted, such as leaving an AC pipe in a position where it drains onto plants in a garden, or squeegeeing water into a garden — as long as the person does not intend the water the plants thereby.

In cases where there is a positive intention to benefit plants, flowers etc. by indirectly causing water to fall on them, one many not do so, such as hanging dripping laundry over a flowerbed.

Washing one’s hands or drinking when in a garden is permitted, however, as any benefit can only be slight and it is assumed that the person is not aiming to water the plants.