Founded in 1933 by Miles Standish Watson and Ernie Chase, the New Hampshire Arborists Association (NHAA) is one of the oldest of its kind in the nation. While little is known about the association at that time, it did establish a registration or licensing program carried out by the State of New Hampshire. 

In 1976 a group of arborists including John Marro, Byron Kirby, Phil French, Phil Merrill, Dave Watson (the son of Miles Standish Watson), Larry Collins, and Al Nix banded together to revive the faltering organization. Since then, with help and encouragement from Alex Shigo, Mary Reynolds, and Sharon Ossenbruggen, the NHAA has grown in numbers and enthusiasm.

Today, the New Hampshire Arborists Association manages a certification program for arborists in New Hampshire and provides professional development, networking, and continuing education opportunities for arborists through meetings, workshops, and newsletters.