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I have to look Mick in the eye after crushing his rose garden because I didn't trim my tree.

Did you know?

Power interruptions, fires and serious accidents can happen when trees or branches touch powerlines. Sometimes trees can even become live with electricity when they come into contact with powerlines, which poses a serious safety risk. 

So, it's important to always...

Check the distance

As a general rule, trees should be no closer than five metres to powerlines.

Hire a professional

Don’t trim trees and branches near powerlines yourself – always hire a powerline qualified professional tree contractor.

  • When do trees need to be trimmed?

    High winds and stormy weather can blow branches and debris into powerlines – so trees need to be trimmed if they are too close to powerlines. 

    Northern WA

    n WA’s north, trees should be trimmed before the summer cyclone season (November to April). 

    Mid-West and Southern WA

    Trees in our Mid-West and southern regions should be trimmed before winter (April to June).

  • How far away from a powerline should trees be trimmed?

    Horizon Power crews regularly inspect powerlines to check whether any vegetation is growing too close.  As a general rule, trees should be no closer than five metres to powerlines. For the minimal clearance figure for your region please contact your local Horizon Power office. 

    Figure 1: Clearance Zones for Overhead Power Lines

    Tree clearance zone illustration 2.png

     

    Figure 2: Vegetation Clearance Zones for LV ABC

    Tree clearance zone illustration 1.png

  • Who should trim trees?

    When the trees at your home need to be trimmed, don’t do it yourself.

    We recommend that you hire a powerline qualified tree contractor as they have the correct training and experience to carry out the work. Check with your local council or trusted tree trimming contractors in your area or visit the Arboricultural Association of Western Australia to search for contractors.

  • Who is responsible for which trees?

    If the tree is on...

    Public land

    Depending on the location, it could be the responsibility of your council, or even the State or Federal governments. We work with local councils to carry out vegetation management programs on urban street verges and road reserves.

    Your neighbour's property

    If you notice a neighbour’s tree is too close to powerlines, you might want to let them know. If their trees bring down powerlines, the whole street (or even a wider area) could be without power for an extended period and the fallen line could be a safety hazard for the community.

    Your property

    It is your responsibility to have your trees trimmed, whether you are renting or you own the property. If you’re renting, check if tree trimming is covered in your rental agreement.

     

    It is the resident’s responsibility to trim trees on private property, even if they are not the home owner.

    You may want to check if this is covered in your rental agreement.

    Horizon Power works with local councils to carry out vegetation management programs on urban street verges and road reserves. As a guide, the trees coloured orange in the diagram below are the responsibility of the occupier of Property A; those coloured green are the responsibility of the occupier of Property B. The tree planted on the verge (blue coloured tree) is the responsibility of the local council.  

    hopopw0075_mel_v25.jpg

Green domes contain live wires

In the parts of our network which are underground, powerlines are sunk beneath the ground and a mini-pillar or ‘green dome’ is installed just inside the property to connect homes to the network. 

Learn more

Safety tips for your home

Follow these simple tips to help protect your household from the dangers of electricity.

Learn more

Horizon Power acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land, waters and community. We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders past, present and emerging.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are advised that this website may contain images, names or voices of deceased people.