Tree Protection in Nashua, NH (2026)
4 verified tree protection rules for Nashua, New Hampshire, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal Permits
Nashua does not require a general tree-removal permit on private residential lots. City review attaches only when (1) the tree stands in a wetland or wetland buffer under Article XI of Chapter 190, (2) the tree is required landscape material under Article XXVII, (3) the tree was designated for retention on an approved site plan or subdivision plat, or (4) the tree stands in a Nashua street or other public way — in which case Board of Public Works approval is required. NH DES Wetlands Permits under RSA 482-A may also be required for tree removal in wetlands and wetland buffers.
Nashua Tree Removal Permits — No General Private-Lot Permit; Public Trees Need BPW Approval
Some RestrictionsHeritage & Protected Trees
Nashua does not have a dedicated heritage, specimen, or champion tree designation program in its Revised Ordinances. Public trees standing in Nashua streets and public ways are protected under the Board of Public Works' general authority and NH RSA 231:139 et seq.; private trees are protected only insofar as they fall within an Article XI wetland buffer, are required landscape material under Article XXVII, or were designated for retention on an approved site plan. The NH Big Tree Program (UNH Cooperative Extension) maintains the statewide register of champion trees by species.
Nashua Heritage Trees — No Local Designation Program; NH Big Tree Program Tracks State Champions
Few RestrictionsTree Replacement Requirements
Chapter 190 Article XXVII of the Nashua Land Use Code requires that all required landscape material — including required shade trees — be maintained in a healthy, growing condition. Dead, diseased, or damaged required plantings must be replaced in the next appropriate planting season. Replacement trees must meet the same Article XXVII standards: deciduous shade trees with a minimum trunk caliper of 2½ inches measured 6 inches above grade, or evergreen trees at least 6 feet tall, hardy for the Nashua botanical zone. Removal or destruction of a tree in a Nashua street or public way may also require replacement to the satisfaction of the Board of Public Works.
Nashua Tree Replacement — Article XXVII Requires Replanting of Required Landscape Material
Some RestrictionsTree Ordinances
Nashua's tree-protection framework rests on four pillars: (1) the Board of Public Works' City Charter authority over all trees standing in streets and public ways; (2) Chapter 190 Article XI (Wetlands) protection of trees in delineated wetlands and buffers; (3) Chapter 190 Article XXVII (Landscaping) requirements for required landscape material on site-plan-approved developments; and (4) the Tree City USA program's tree-care ordinance, per-capita budget, and Arbor Day proclamation. New Hampshire's statewide tree-warden statute is RSA 231:139 (Title XX, Transportation), and public shade-tree protection is governed by RSA 231:139-158.
Nashua Tree Ordinances — Board of Public Works Authority + Article XXVII + Tree City USA
Some RestrictionsLooking for Hillsborough County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Nashua city rules.
Tree Protection in Hillsborough County →