Shemitah Year: Plowing

It is forbidden to plow the land during the Shemitah year, and only plowing intended to prepare the land for sowing or to improve the soil is prohibited.

Plowing that is not for the purpose of preparation or soil improvement is permitted, such as when one needs to plow to prevent a tree from dying.

It is forbidden to hoe around a tree. However, if doing so to help the tree survive or for irrigation purposes to prevent the tree from dying - it is permitted.

It is forbidden to plow, whether by hand or by machine (therefore, plowing using a tractor or a machine designed for this purpose is prohibited, even if the machine is operated by remote control).

Just as it is forbidden to work the land during Shemitah, it is also forbidden to encourage other Jews to work the land. Therefore, it is prohibited to sell tools specifically designed for forbidden work if it is known that the buyer will use them for activities forbidden during Shemitah.

It is forbidden to plow or fertilize the land during Shemitah even if plowing or fertilizing for the following year, which is not a Shemitah year. A person who violated and performed forbidden work during Shemitah is penalized by being prohibited from using the land where the violation occurred. However, if the prohibited actions were nullified, such as by removing the fertilizer from the soil, it is permitted to use this land.

It is permitted to build a fence around a young tree to protect it from passersby if there is concern it might be damaged by their walking.

One should not insert a piece of wood near a tree to help it grow straight, but if there is concern that the tree will break without doing so, it is permitted.