Building Succah Under a Tree

 

If a tree above a succa prevents one from seeing the sky because of its leaves, does that invalidate the succa? A tree is above the porch which would be the most convenient place for a succa. However, an alternate location with clear sky is available.

A succa must be directly under the sky; if it's built underneath anything else, it's invalid. Even if the foliage of the tree is very thin, it could still invalidate an otherwise valid succa according to some authorities. Therefore, caution should be taken when building a succa to avoid placing it under a tree.

Sources:

• Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 626:1
• Aruch Hashulchan, Orach Chaim 626