Tree cutting near powerlines

For your homeTree cutting near powerlines

Overgrown branches near powerlines can pose risks such as power outages or fires, especially during severe weather conditions.

This is why we regularly inspect trees around our poles and wires and cut them back as necessary. Trees are trimmed and maintained in a way that helps us deliver a safe and reliable electricity supply while adhering to electricity safety regulations. While we understand the tree’s appearance after trimming may not always be aesthetic, it ensures that we’re keeping our community safe.

It is important we all play our part to keep our community safe, including you.

Who's responsible for managing trees near powerlines?

Diagram showing the responsibility for keeping trees away from the powerlines between landowners, councils and power distributors.
Diagram indicating responsibility for maintaining trees near powerlines.

Our tree cutting program

We inspect and cut trees around powerlines to ensure they stay a safe distance. Depending on the tree species and location, we may carry out additional trimming where the regular cycle isn’t sufficient to provide enough clearance. Trees are cut to meet safety requirements plus additional space allowed for regrowth, to ensure power safety.

Generally, our program will focus on rural (higher bushfire risk areas) areas while paddocks are dry and accessible before moving to urban (lower bushfire risk areas) during the wetter winter months.

Summary of tree cutting process: 1. Conduct inspection using LiDAR technology; 2. Place printed notification in mailbox; 3. Trim trees to maintain safe clearance; 4. Collect debris within 10 business days.

Vegetation and tree cutting enquiries

If you need to report a tree near powerlines or have another tree cutting enquiry, complete our vegetation and tree cutting enquiry form.

To complete this form, you will need to know your NMI (found on your electricity bill) and your council area.