Trees near powerlines are a pretty common sight across Brisbane suburbs – but it’s when they get too close that they can very quickly become a serious safety hazard. Whether you are at the stage of planning, planting, pruning or maintaining trees on your property, it’s important to understand the risks and what your responsibilities are. Here’s what you need to know.

Why Are Trees Near Powerlines Dangerous?

Trees that are growing too close to powerlines can result in very serious, potentially life-threatening situations. If a tree or heavy limb falls in heavy winds or a severe storm and takes out a powerline, you can be left with the very dangerous situation of live wires on the ground.

The tree can also conduct electricity, potentially causing electric shock to anyone nearby. The tree can become a source of electrical energy, potentially sparking fires or power surges. The tree may pose a risk to infrastructure in close proximity, leading to serious damage and power outages.

In these situations, it is critical to act with extreme caution and seek professional help to ensure everyone’s safety and compliance with regulations.

Your Responsibilities As A Property Owner

In Queensland, responsibility is determined by the tree’s location. If the tree is located within the boundary of private property, it is generally the property owner’s responsibility to maintain trees that are near to power lines. If the tree is located on street or public land such as the nature strip, the responsibility falls on the local council to manage and maintain the trees, ensuring they care kept well away from powerlines.

Electricity providers like Energex, will usually maintain powerlines up until the first connection point on your property. Anything beyond that point may be considered your responsibility as the property owner. If a tree on your property starts to encroach on nearby powerlines, you may receive a notice requiring you to have the tree trimmed or removed, depending on your particular circumstances.

Safe Planting Distances

One of the best ways to prevent issues is to plant trees in the right place, so they won’t become a problem down the track. A very general rule of thumb is the ‘1:1 rule’ – which means that you should plant trees at least the same distance from powerlines as their expected mature height. For example, a tree that is expected to grow to 8 metres in height should be planted at least 8 metres away from any powerlines.  Very large trees should be planted with even more caution.

It is also recommended that you allow at least a 2-3 metre clearance from any service lines that connect powerlines to your home.  If you are wanting to plant near to powerlines, be sure to choose species that are low-growing or small at mature height.

Hire An Arborist

If you have a tree or trees that are growing relatively close to powerlines, it is crucial that you have them regularly maintained before they become a problem. Tree work can be highly dangerous. Add to that the additional element of powerlines nearby and it’s extremely dangerous. Never attempt to do it yourself, it’s just not worth the risk. Only highly experienced, qualified Arborists should carry out any tree work near to powerlines. They will have all of the necessary tools and equipment to safely carry out the job, be trained in handling dangerous situations and be fully insured.

Here in Queensland there are safety regulations in place which govern tree work around powerlines which specify exclusion zones that require a minimum safe distance that should be maintained at all times to protect people, homes and infrastructure. Ensure your chosen Arborist is knowledgeable about these rules and regulations before any tree work is done.

For all your professional tree pruning, tree removal and stump grinding needs, speak to the team at Aussie Tree Solutions today. We’ve been looking after South-East Queensland trees for over forty years – so whatever your tree issue, we’ll get to the root of it!