The trees in the graveyard which are a source of danger

Fatwa no. 18976 Praise be to Allah, Alone, and Peace and Blessings of Allah be upon Prophet Muhammad after whom there is no other prophet.The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' has read letter no. (645) dated 22/2/1417 A.H. and which was submitted to his Eminence, the Grand Mufty from his Eminence the president of the court of Mahayel `Asir. And which was supplemented with a request for a Fatwa from the mayor of Mahayel `Asir. It was referred to the Committee of the Council of Senior Scholars in letter no. (1238) dated 29/2/1417 A.H. and in which his Eminence asked the following question:Attached is a request from a citizen whose initials are (H.A.SH) concerning the removal of the trees in the cemetery next to his stores (Part No. 7; Page No. 352) and residential buildings at Mahayel. He states that the cemetery is full of dense trees which pose danger to the tenants of the area due to the great number of snakes living in the cemetery and has therefore become a source of anxiety and concern. The trees cover the lamp posts. The municipality wishes to clean all the cemeteries in the city. We therefore hope that you inform us of the legal opinion on the extent of the possibility of using heavy machinery in these sites due to the dense trees and the impracticability of manually removing them, both because of their denseness and to ensure the safety of the workers from the danger posed by snakes and the like. May Allah protect you.

A: The committee answered that there is no objection to cutting down the trees in the cemetery which are a source of danger provided that they be cut down using manual tools to preserve the sanctity of the dead. Moreover, heavy machinery is not to enter the cemetery since this is considered an insult to the dead.May Allah grant you success! May peace be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions!