Much of the following has been mentioned above, but for simplicity and clarity we are going to repeat it.
Is One Allowed to Cut Down Barren Fruit Trees?
The Rambam (Hilchos Melochim 6:9) rules: “It’s permissible to cut down barren trees, even if there is no need for the trees.”
However, the Piskei Tosfos (Pesachim, ois 132) writes:הקוצץ אילן סרק אינו רואה סימן ברכה – “One who cuts down a barren fruit tree, won’t see any berachah”.
The question is, why should one not see any berachah, if cutting them down is allowed?
R’ Moshe Sternbuch (Shu”t Teshuvos V’Hanhagos (2:728) says: The Gemara in Kesubos (112b) says:עתידין כל אילני סרק שבארץ ישראל שיטענו פירות – “In the future all barren trees in Eretz Yisroel will be laden with fruit”. Since in the future barren trees will carry fruit, it’s not fitting for one to cut them down, therefore, one who does so won’t see any berachah.
We may add: If one cuts them down, it shows he doesn’t believe in the imminent and speedy arrival of Moshiach, otherwise he would leave them, as very soon they will produce fruit. Perhaps this is a further reason he won’t see any berachah.
