Northeast region
Tree removal and tree care in New Hampshire
New Hampshire's tree risk is dominated by ice and wind. The December 2008 ice storm left a large share of the state without power after trees broke onto lines, and nor'easters, wet snow and summer storms still drop white pines on houses. Emerald ash borer, confirmed in Concord in 2013, is killing untreated ash statewide.
Most New Hampshire homes are surrounded by mature white pine, hemlock, oak and maple, often planted close to the house or left when lots were cleared. Big pines on shallow, rocky soils are the most common emergency call after storms.
Emerald ash borer has spread outward from its first detection in Concord, and hemlock woolly adelgid is moving north through hemlock stands in the southern half of the state. Both create dead trees near homes that become more brittle over time.
Reviewed and updated
The 2008 ice storm and what it taught
In December 2008 an ice storm coated trees across southern and central New Hampshire, breaking limbs and trunks onto power lines and leaving a large share of the state's homes without power, some for weeks. It remains the benchmark for how much a single storm can do to a wooded state.
Pines and maples damaged then still carry old wounds and decay. Trees with a history of breakage near the house are worth an inspection.
Pines, hemlocks, oaks, maples and ash
- White pine
- Most common large yard tree; limb and trunk failures
- Eastern hemlock
- Hemlock woolly adelgid in the south
- Red oak
- Long-lived; spongy moth defoliation in outbreaks
- Sugar and red maple
- Ice damage; aging roadside maples
- Ash
- Emerald ash borer since 2013
New Hampshire services by risk
After ice and nor'easters.
For pines over homes.
For ash killed by emerald ash borer.
For storm-damaged survivors.
Ice, snow, ash borer and adelgid
Ice storms
The December 2008 storm caused widespread breakage and outages.
Nor'easters and wet snow
Heavy snow and wind break pines and tip trees on rocky soil.
Emerald ash borer
First found in Concord in 2013; spreading statewide.
Hemlock woolly adelgid
Slowly kills hemlocks in the southern part of the state.
New Hampshire tree rules
- New Hampshire has no statewide permit for removing trees on private residential lots, but the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act limits tree cutting near protected shorelines.
- Scenic roads designated by towns can require a hearing before cutting trees in the road right-of-way.
Sources (checked 2026-10-04)
Rules change and details depend on your exact property. Confirm with the city or county before work starts. This isn't legal advice.
New Hampshire's storm calendar
Ice storms and nor'easters cause most winter damage, and summer thunderstorms add more. Plan removals for late fall and winter, on frozen ground and before ice loads weak trees.
- Winter
- Ice storms and nor'easters
- Summer
- Thunderstorms and occasional tropical remnants
- Late fall–winter
- Planned removals on frozen ground
Ash in New Hampshire: treat, remove or replace
Healthy and valuable
- Usual choice
- Treat
Early thinning
- Usual choice
- Treat or plan removal
Heavy dieback
- Usual choice
- Remove
Dead
- Usual choice
- Remove promptly
New Hampshire tree questions
Can I cut trees near a lake in New Hampshire?
Only within the limits of the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act. Check with NH DES before cutting near protected waters.
Is my road a scenic road?
Some towns designate scenic roads, where cutting trees in the right-of-way can require a hearing. Ask your town office.
Should I remove white pines near my New Hampshire house?
Healthy pines can often stay with limb reduction; cracked, leaning or decaying pines within reach of the house are removal candidates.
Is emerald ash borer in New Hampshire?
Yes, since 2013, and it's spreading. Treat valuable ash or plan removal.
When is the best time for tree removal in New Hampshire?
Late fall through winter for planned work, before ice and snow load weak trees.
How much does tree removal cost in New Hampshire?
Big pines close to houses cost more. See the tree removal cost guide.
Need tree help in New Hampshire?
Call to speak with a local tree-service provider about removal, trimming, stumps or storm damage. Describe the tree and what it's near, and they'll explain the next step.