3,713. When You Need the Stones

Hilchos Shemittah v’Yoveil 2:10

If someone removes stones from his field because he needs them, he must take the upper stones and leave those that touch the ground. Similarly, if one has a pile of stones in his field, he may take the upper ones but he must leave those that touch the ground. If there’s a large rock or straw under the stones, he may take them all.

Hilchos Shemittah v’Yoveil 2:11

One may not fill a furrow in the ground with dirt or level it with dirt because doing so improves his land. However, one may make a separation in front of the furrow. One may take any stone that can be lifted by stretching out one’s hand while standing on the furrow’s edge.