Question:

Can I make the “Berchas Elanos” after Nissan?

Discussion:

The Gemara in Brachos (43) tells us that “one who goes out during Nissan and sees trees that have begun to bud makes a bracha…” The Mishna Berura (226:1) writes that this bracha does not have to be said specifically in the month of Nissan but rather whenever the first time that you see a tree with buds on it you can make the bracha. The Mishna Berura comments further that this bracha is only to be made on a fruit bearing  tree.

This bracha should not be said on a spice tree since spices are not considered fruit (Maaseh Chemed Ch. 2 note 79).

The definition of a tree for this halacha is something that survives from year to year and lasts for at least three years (Chazon Ish).

If one did make a bracha on a non-fruit bearing tree he should not repeat the bracha since there are opinions that you can make the bracha on such a tree (Shevet Halevi 6:53:4). Additionally, he writes that if one made the bracha without even seeing the tree he should not repeat the bracha when he does see it.

It is preferable to make a bracha on two trees that are growing near each other rather than on one tree that is alone since the bracha was written in plural. However, if this is not possible then the bracha can be said on a single tree (Kitzos Hashulchan 66:18).