trees and powerlines
why does Country Energy trim or remove trees?
Legislation requires Country Energy to ensure trees and other tall growing vegetation is kept clear of powerlines to maintain a safe electricity supply. Trees contacting power lines are a major source of interruptions, blackouts and network damage.
Please visit our vegetation management pages for more information.
can Country Energy remove a tree without Council permission?
Yes. The Electricity Supply Act exempts Country Energy from the requirements of local council tree preservation orders.
does Country Energy need the landowner's permission to trim or remove trees?
We always try to talk to the landowner concerned. We only do the work because trees pose dangers and risks for power supplies. Mature tree removal is generally done with the owner’s permission.
who is liable if any tree falls on a powerline?
If the tree is your property, you can be held responsible for damages.
who is responsible for trees on my property?
These trees are part of your property and, as such, your responsibility.
Country Energy is responsible to ensure that trees are kept away from powerlines. That is not to say that we will pay for or do the work. Such work may be carried out by vegetation management contractors.
who can help me get my tree trimmed?
Country Energy employees or accredited contractors are generally used to trim trees. Contractors can assist when they are next working in the area, or sooner if the situation is urgent. If contractors do not cover your area, please contact Country Energy on 13 20 80 for advice.
View a list of Country Energy accredited vegetation contractors.
do I need to use Country Energy's accredited contractors to trim trees near powerlines?
Most definitely. It is far too dangerous to do yourself.
The tree, your equipment and you personally need to be more than 3 metres away from lines for you to be able to do it yourself. Even without the added hazard of live powerlines, tree trimming is a dangerous activity. Please consider carefully whether you have the ability to do it yourself in a safe manner.
View a list of Country Energy accredited vegetation contractors.
how much does vegetation control cost?
Tree trimming or tree removal varies considerably depending on site conditions and the tree. Country Energy accredited contractors can quote for the work. Tree trimming can start at around $40 and go upward to thousands of dollars.
who pays for the tree trimming?
In NSW you have to pay for trimming of trees interfering with your service line as it only supplies your premises. You also have to pay for trimming of trees that have been planted under or near a powerline on your property. Best to plant elsewhere.
The general rules are:
- If the tree is younger than the powerline, the owner of the tree pays.
- If the tree is older than the powerline, Country Energy pays.
In Queensland Country Energy is responsible to ensure all trees are kept clear of powerlines at its own expense. Property owners have a moral and legislative requirement not to create a potentially hazardous situation and therefore should always plant away from powerlines.
how do people get billed for vegetation control work?
Service wire: The contractor will quote for the work and then bill accordingly.
If Country Energy is charging for the work we will send out an account.
In Queensland, Country Energy is responsible to ensure all trees are kept clear of powerlines at its own expense. Property owners have a moral and legislative requirement not to create a potentially hazardous situation and therefore should always plant away from powerlines.
when will someone be available to trim my trees?
Non-Urgent: Generally when we are in the area unless you are willing to pay for a special visit..
Urgent: Please contact a Vegetation Control Contractor - at your expense - or Country Energy's SIG on 13 20 80 to arrange the work - possibly at your expense.
does Country Energy notify customers before trimming or removing a tree?
If the tree is on private property we endeavour to talk to the owner. Sometimes it is very difficult. We do our best but sometimes there are circumstances under which the owner simply cannot be contacted before trimming.
how long after the trimming will the debris be picked up
Generally the same day, but may it take 2 or 3 days depending on the situation.
If you suspect that we or a contractor have forgotten to remove the debris, please contact us.
the neighbours's tree is in my service line. What do I do?
Unless it is urgent, we will trim the tree when we are next doing trimming in your area. If it is urgent, please contact us on 13 20 80.
can a neighbour report a tree that needs trimming and get it done?
Yes. Any tree that may be a threat to lines should be trimmed no matter who reports it or whose property it is on.
how close can trees be planted to powerlines?
See our
Tree Planting Guide.
what can I plant under a powerline?
It is preferable to plant trees and other plants well away from powerlines. They can create very dangerous situations by knocking wires down and impeding access to the lines when repairs or maintenance are needed.
However, we realise that there are situations which may require planting under or near lines (e.g. erosion control, aesthetics). Visit our Vegetation Management pages for more information.
View a list of known problem trees under powerlines.
why don't you shape the trees?
Trees are no longer lopped (flat topping) which caused decay and rapid growth back into the power lines. Branches are trimmed such that growth is directed away from the powerlines - this is called directional pruning. Trees are pruned to acceptable arboricultural standards set forth by Australian Standard 4373 - "Pruning of Amenity Trees" and as trained by TAFE - "Tree Care for Electricity Workers."
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