Trees and shrubs growing in close proximity to power lines are a safety risk and can cause fires, blackouts or power surges. Their foliage and branches must be kept clear of powerlines and any electricity infrastructure.

If trees are touching or in close proximity to powerlines, contact your local council or electricity distribution company to seek advice or hire a tree removal specialist (or arborist) to do the work.

Safety tips for managing trees near powerlines

• Plant low-growing species near powerlines – ask your electricity distribution company for a list of suitable species for your area
• Only authorised powerline pruning contractors should prune trees touching or in close proximity to power lines – electricity distribution companies can provide lists of qualified power line pruning contractors
• Before pruning tree branches or foliage, look around you for overhead powerlines
• Pruning should be done before trees and shrubs grow to within one metre in any direction of power lines
• Avoid pruning in high winds

Vegetation management and electric line clearance

For information on these specific topics relating to trees and powerlines, click through to the following pages:

• Electric line clearance and bushfire mitigation
• Vegetation management

More information

Read ESV’s brochures on Powerlines and vegetation management and Don’t put your life on the line.

Contact ESV on (03) 9203 9700 or via email info@energysafe.vic.gov.au.