Nashua, NH Tree Protection: Parkway Planting (2026)
Key Facts
- Spacing
- 30-foot centers required
- Location
- Inside right-of-way or property line
- Applies to
- Nonwooded subdivisions and site plans
- Minimum caliper
- 2½ inches for shade trees
- Enforcement
- Planning Board review, bond under § 190-160
Summary
Nashua requires subdivision landscape plans for open, non-wooded parcels to place a mix of tree species on 30-foot centers within the street right-of-way, creating a continuous tree canopy along new roads.
For subdivisions in open fields and other nonwooded areas, the landscape plan will include a mix of tree species to be planted on thirty-foot centers to provide for a tree canopy. The trees will be planted within the City right-of-way or on the private property boundary line adjacent to the City right-of-way. This section does not apply if the Planning Board determines that the open field is a significant natural feature pursuant to Article XXV.
C. Street slopes. In cases where the sloped areas extend more than 10 feet from the shoulder to the ditch line, the sloped areas must be landscaped and planted as per § 190-185.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4805762; v29 updated 2026-02-10; through 02-10-2026).
Full Breakdown
Under Article XXVII, Landscaping, of Nashua's Land Use Code, a subdivision landscape plan for open fields or other non-wooded land must plant a mix of tree species on 30-foot centers, set either inside the street right-of-way or along the private property line next to it, so the finished street reads as a continuous canopy. The Planning Board reviews and can waive or modify the plan, and it does not apply where the board finds the open field a significant natural feature under Article XXV. Shade trees used to meet the requirement must have at least a 2½-inch trunk caliper per § 190-189.
Violations & Fines
Noncompliance blocks subdivision or site plan approval; the Planning Board may require a performance bond under § 190-160 to guarantee installation before signing off, and zoning violations are enforced under RSA 676:11-676:19.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Nashua require street trees in new subdivisions?
Who approves where the street trees go?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Nashua
Compare Nashua to another location·View the New Hampshire tree protection overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.