NOT A FACTUAL DISPUTE - Yevamos 83 - Daf Yomi

The Gemora cites a Mishna which states that if one plants a tree within thirty days of Rosh Hashanah prior to a Shemitah year, the tree must be uprooted. Rabbi Yehuda maintains that a tree takes root within three days. Rabbi Yosi and Rabbi Shimon hold that a tree takes root within two weeks of its being planted.

The Chasam Sofer (Y”D 284) comment that this is not a factual dispute as to how many days it takes for a tree to take root for everyone holds that it takes root in three days or less and the facts can attest to this. The argument is regarding a case where for some reason the tree did not take root. After how long can it be stated with a certainty that the tree will not take root any longer.

Interestingly, the Chazon Ish (Shvi’is 17:28) explains exactly the opposite. He also comments that there is no factual dispute amongst the Tannaim and everyone agrees that a tree can only begin to take root within three days. The argument is if that little bit is considered taking root or is a much firmer attachment to the ground necessary.