Is it permissible to uproot fruit trees growing in planters?
Question
I have several fruit trees that we grew from the seed. When they began to grow, I moved each of them to planters. Some of the trees aren't growing nicely—it seems that they are sick. My question is if the prohibition of uprooting fruit trees applies only to trees growing in the ground, or also to those growing in planters? I want to uproot them so I can use the planter to grow other plants. Is there a halachic issue with that? Thank you.
Answer
Rabbi David Eigner 5780
The prohibition against uprooting fruit trees applies also to trees growing in planters. However, since the trees are sick and are not growing, the prohibition of bal tashchit does not apply and you may uproot them.