Nashua to offer residents up to 200 free trees to replace those lost in October storm

NASHUA – Residents who lost a prized maple or a favorite crabapple tree in the October snowstorm last year may find some relief in a federal “releaf” program. The city has received a $5,000 grant from the American Forests’ Global ReLeaf Program that will support the replacement of 150-200 trees in Nashua. The trees, Red or Swamp maples, Thornless Honey Locust Cultivers, Crapapple Indian Magics and Crabapple Spring Snows, will be distributed to applicants on a first come, first serve basis, according to the city website. Residents can apply for up to two trees and must live at the address where the trees will be planted. Commercial and condominium complexes are not eligible. The homeowner must specify on their application where the tree will go. Trees must be planted in the front of yard of a Nashua home, within 20 feet of a city street or in a location mutually agreed upon by the owner and the Parks & Recreation Department. It cannot interfere with overhead or underground wires or sidewalks, and the Superintendent of Parks Nick Caggiano will decide whether the location meets the application requirements. Once the city receives an application, the applicant will be informed of the types of trees that are available. Not all trees are suitable for all locations, however, and the city can suggest alternative species or locations if the applicant’s tree choice or location does not work. Once approved, it is up to the homeowner to mark the area for planting and to ensure the tree will not affect underground utilities through Dig Safe. The Parks & Recreation Department will deliver trees to homeowners with watering bags and instructions for planting on September 28 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Planting must take place within 10 days of receiving the tree and maintainance, including watering, fertilizing and pruning, is up to the owner. The city will also be photographing all trees it plants in order to verify the grant. For more information, or to download an application for the program, visit gonashua.com and look under “city announcements.” Maryalice Gill can be reached at 594-6490 or mgill@nashuatelegraph.com. Also, follow Gill on Twitter (@Telegraph_MAG).