If a tree was uprooted from its place, but one of its roots remained attached to the ground, and that root was at least as thick as a weaver’s needle used to stretch fabric, one may replant the tree without restarting the orla count. Since it can survive by means of that one root, even if only with difficulty, it can still be considered attached, and its original status does not change. However, if no such root remains, the tree becomes subject to orla anew when it is replanted (SA YD 294:20).
If the wind uprooted a tree, or a river swept it away, yet a clump of soil remained attached to its roots, and that clump can sustain it for at least 14 days, one may replant the tree without restarting the three-year count, even if none of its roots remained attached to the ground itself. If it cannot live from that clump for 14 days, then once replanted, the years of orla must be counted from the start. Therefore, one who needs to move a fruit tree from one place to another must be careful to uproot it together with enough soil to sustain it for 14 days, so that the orla count does not restart. It is also advisable to prune the tree substantially beforehand, thereby making it easier for the tree to survive that length of time.[6]
If a tree was cut down or broke, and any part of its trunk remains above ground, the orla count does not restart. If it was cut down completely and then regrew from its roots, it becomes subject to orla anew.[7]
