diff --git a/lbry/wallet/server/db/trending/ar.py b/lbry/wallet/server/db/trending/ar.py
index a2456d716..bc20da4c7 100644
--- a/lbry/wallet/server/db/trending/ar.py
+++ b/lbry/wallet/server/db/trending/ar.py
@@ -27,8 +27,10 @@ TRENDING_LOG = True
 # Stubs
 def install(connection):
     check_trending_values(connection)
-    f = open("trending_ar.log", "w")
-    f.close()
+
+    if TRENDING_LOG:
+        f = open("trending_ar.log", "w")
+        f.close()
 
 
 CREATE_TREND_TABLE = ""