What is the wisdom behind permitting the depiction of mountains, seas, and trees, even though they are among Allah's creations, while the depiction of animate beings is prohibited as a preventive measure? And is there a prophetic hadith that permits the depiction of inanimate objects?

The reason for prohibiting the depiction of animate beings is not confined to imitation (mudaahah) and blocking the means (sadd adh-dhari'ah). The majority of jurists permit the depiction of herbs, trees, fruits, and all other plant creations. They base their reasoning on the Prophet's specific prohibition of animate beings, on the hadith of Ibn 'Abbas which permitted the depiction of trees and inanimate objects, and on the ruling that if the head of an animalistic image is removed, it becomes permissible, and therefore, what inherently lacks a soul is likewise permissible. An exception to this is anything worshipped besides Allah, if it is depicted for someone who worships it.