Midrash for Avodah Zarah 91:6
ולוקמה באילן שנטעו מתחלה לכך ורבנן לא ס"ד דקתני דומיא דהר מה הר שלא נטעו מתחלה לכך אף האי נמי שלא נטעו מתחלה לכך
But let [R. Sheshet] apply [the statement reported by the tanna] to a tree which had been planted for idolatry at the outset and [make it agree with the view of] the rabbis! Do not even think this, for it taught [that the plants] were similar to the mountain: just as with a mountain it was not planted for idolatry at the outset, so with this also it was not planted for idolatry at the outset.
Sifrei Devarim
From here it was ruled: There are three kinds of asheiroth: A tree that was planted from the beginning for idolatry is forbidden (for benefit), it being written "and their asheiroth shall you burn in fire." If he cut and trimmed it and it grew (new growths), he removes the new growths, it being written "and the cuttings of their gods shall you cut down." If he placed idolatry under it and removed it (the idolatry), then it (the tree) is permitted, it being written "and you shall cause their name (but not the tree itself) to go lost from that place."
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