3,701. Watering Trees During Shemittah

Hilchos Shemittah v’Yoveil 1:8

A field that was planted but that is very dry may be watered during shemittah. It is likewise permitted in an orchard as follows: if there are ten trees in an area larger than that in which one would plant a seah of seed,* one may cause water to flow from tree to tree. However, it is not permitted to water the whole orchard. If the trees are closer together than this, then one may water the whole orchard. Similarly, “white earth” may be sprinkled with water so that the trees not be ruined.

Hilchos Shemittah v’Yoveil 1:9

During shemittah, it is permitted to dig a pit at a grapevine’s roots. It is wholly permissible to make a water channel and to fill the reservoirs.

*A seah is about 2.5 gallons; the area in question – called a beis seah – is about half a football field.