Trees and vegetation

It is either the responsibility of the electricity Distribution Business or your local council. The electricity Distribution Business for your area or your local council will be able to clarify who is responsible for a particular location.

Find out the electricity Distribution Business for your area here.

Electricity Distribution Businesses own and manage the power poles and wires that deliver power to homes and businesses across the state.

Electricity Distribution Businesses are sometimes also called ‘power companies’, ‘electricity distributors’ or ‘distribution businesses’.

Your electricity Distribution Business depends on where you live and you can find them here.

For a tree growing in your property, it is the responsibility of the electricity Distribution Business to clear that tree around any powerlines outside your property boundary and any service line connecting to a neighbouring property.

Your Electricity Distribution Business depends on where you live and you can find them here.

If you think a tree or powerline is unsafe, you must contact the Electricity Distribution Business for your area.

Your Electricity Distribution Business depends on where you live and you can find them here.

In Hazardous Bushfire Risk Areas trees are typically checked at least once every year. For Low Bushfire Risk Areas the inspection period is typically between one and three years.

If you think a tree or powerline is unsafe, you must contact the Electricity Distribution Business for your area.

Your Electricity Distribution Business depends on where you live and you can find them here.

Even fallen or broken power lines can conduct electricity and should be considered dangerous. Electricity can kill in an instant, if you feel lives are in danger call 000.

Keep at least 8-10 metres away from any fallen powerlines as you do not have to touch a power line to receive an electric shock.

All incidents involving trees and powerlines are to be reported to the Electricity Distribution Business.

Your electricity Distribution Business depends on where you live and you can find them here

You can find more information for what to do in an electrical emergency here.

If you have concerns about the safety of a person working around powerlines contact WorkSafe.

For a tree growing on your property, you are responsible for clearing that tree around the service line that connects to your house.

For a tree growing in your property boundary, it is the responsibility of the electricity Distribution Business to clear that tree around the service line that connects to your neighbour’s house.

You should clear trees and shrubs from your service line before they grow to within one metre in any direction of that line. You can find more information about managing trees near powerlines here.

To stay safe you must keep a certain distance away from any powerline. Contact the electricity Distribution Business for your area to speak with someone about safely pruning trees near powerlines.

Your electricity Distribution Business depends on where you live and you can find them here.

ESV has specialist Advisors who can provide guidance on the requirements of the line clearance rules and regulations.

You can find ESV’s contact information here.

This depends on who has employed you to complete the tree clearing work.

Electricity Distribution Business and Council vegetation management workers clearing trees form electric lines must be trained in both electricity safety and tree pruning. You can find more information on the requirements for these workers here.

Private companies and person completing other tree work near electric lines should comply with No Go Zone rules. You can find further information about No Go Zones and working around powerlines here or contact WorkSafe.

You must contact the Electricity Distribution Business or the local Council for your area to speak with someone about having trees cleared from around powerlines.

Your Electricity Distribution Business depends on where you live and you can find them here.