New Hampshire Utility Vegetation and Shade Tree Laws

RSA 231:139 designates highway agents or selectmen as tree wardens with authority over public shade and ornamental trees in rights-of-way. Under RSA 231:140, public shade trees cannot be cut, trimmed, or removed without permission of the tree warden, and public hearings are required for removal of trees over a specified size. Utility companies must coordinate with tree wardens before line-clearance pruning. RSA 231:145 establishes penalties for unauthorized cutting. The Public Utilities Commission regulates utility vegetation management, and homeowners abutting public ways cannot independently remove public shade trees even when overhanging their property.

Unauthorized cutting of public shade trees carries fines up to three times the value of the tree under RSA 231:152, plus potential criminal mischief charges.