Is it permissible to uproot trees planted by a homeowner on the edge of a public road that obstruct the view of cars exiting a side street onto a main road, causing accidents, especially after the owner of the trees refused to remove them despite knowing the harm?
If the land is public, it is not permissible to exploit it without authorization from the ruling authority. Anyone who does so is considered an aggressor and is responsible for the consequences of their transgression. It is not permissible to leave trees in a manner that causes harm to car accidents and the like, as this endangers lives. Allah Almighty said: "And do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is ever Merciful to you" (Quran 4:29), and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "There should be neither harming nor reciprocating harm." Some scholars have explicitly stated the permissibility of cutting down harmful trees. If pruning the trees prevents their harm, then pruning them is obligatory. If their harm cannot be removed except by cutting them down, then that becomes obligatory. If their owner refuses after being advised, the matter must be reported to the authorities responsible for road safety and traffic security.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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