Trees near power lines

Trees and branches near power lines can pose serious risks to the public and can cause power outages, especially during high winds and storms. This page explains what you need to know and do about trees near power lines.

Who is responsible for a tree near a power line?

In most cases, the tree owner is responsible for making sure their tree does not grow too close to power lines. A tree owner is usually the person who owns the land where the tree is growing.

Buller Electricity also has responsibilities, including:

• carrying out line and vegetation surveys
• providing information about the rules
• issuing hazard warning notices and cut or trim notices where the regulations allow or require
• responding to electricity hazards, and
• in some cases, meeting the cost of work required under the regulations.

How the rules apply

The regulations use several zones around power lines. These zones help determine when trees must be trimmed, when notices can be issued and what restrictions apply.

Trees growing too close to a power line

• Growth limit zone: the space immediately around a power line that must be kept clear of vegetation. Its size and shape depend on the voltage of the line and, in some cases, the span length.
• Cut-back zone: extends one metre out from the growth limit zone. If a tree is growing into the growth limit zone, it must be trimmed back far enough to reach the cut-back zone unless a dispensation applies.
• Hazard warning notice zone: extends two metres out from the growth limit zone. If vegetation enters this zone, Buller Electricity may issue a hazard warning notice to alert the tree owner.

 

 

 

 

 

  

Trees that could fall into a power line

The treefall hazard zone extends 24 metres from the growth limit zone. Trees within this area may be assessed if there is concern that, because of their condition, size or location, they could fall onto a power line.

This does not mean every tree in the zone is a hazard. A formal treefall hazard notice can only be issued where a tree has been assessed as a moderate or high hazard.

Treefall hazard notices will not be issued before 23 July 2028. Before then, lines companies may use voluntary processes to discuss hazardous trees with tree owners.

 

 

 

Planting a new tree near a power line

From 23 July 2027, a low-height planting rule will apply. You must not plant a tree if you reasonably expect it could grow taller than its distance from the power line.

The low-height planting zone extends 24 metres horizontally from the power line. If you plant a tree in breach of this rule:

• you may be liable for damages
• you may be responsible for the cost if the tree later needs to be cut, trimmed or removed, and
• you cannot use a no-interest tree notice to transfer responsibility for managing the tree to the lines company.

The restriction does not apply to trees that grow naturally. However, if a self-sown tree within the low-height planting zone later needs to be cut, trimmed or removed, the tree owner may be responsible for the cost.

 

 

 

 

 

Vegetation growing above the line

For some power lines, the growth limit zone extends vertically above the line as well as around it. This is known as clear to the sky, and means vegetation must also be kept clear above the line.

 

 

What happens if a tree grows too close to a line?

If a tree is too close to a power line, Buller Electricity may contact the tree owner. Depending on the situation, this may include providing information or advice, issuing a hazard warning notice, requiring the tree to be cut back, or taking further action allowed under the regulations if the issue is not addressed.

The exact process depends on the type of risk and the rules that apply. If you receive a notice, read it carefully and act within the required timeframe.

Tree notices and what they mean

What if I disagree with a notice or assessment?

Different review or dispute options may be available depending on the type of notice or issue.

For some matters under the regulations, disputes may be referred to the Tree Arbitrator. The WorkSafe website lists the current Tree Arbitrator and further information. Some issues may also be raised with Utilities Disputes, depending on the complaint.

If you disagree with a notice you receive, contact your local lines company as soon as possible so the next steps can be explained.

Offences and penalties

Tree owners can be fined if they do not meet certain requirements under the regulations.

Cut or trim notices

A tree owner may commit an offence if, without reasonable excuse, they do not have a tree cut or trimmed as required by a cut or trim notice, or do not tell Buller Electricity the time and location of the work at least three working days before it takes place.

If convicted, the tree owner may be fined up to $10,000. If the offence continues, a further fine of up to $500 for every day or part of a day may apply.

Treefall hazard notices from 23 July 2028

From 23 July 2028, a tree owner may commit an offence if, without reasonable excuse, they do not have a tree removed within the timeframe required by a treefall hazard notice, or do not tell Buller Electricity the time and location of the removal as required. If convicted, the tree owner may be fined up to $10,000.

Low-height planting zone

Not complying with the low-height planting zone restrictions is not itself an offence. However, it may affect who is responsible for the cost of future tree trimming or removal and the options available to the tree owner under the regulations.

Can I trim or remove the tree myself?

If you, the tree, or any tools or equipment could come within 4 metres of a power line, do not attempt the work yourself. Contact Buller Electricity first.

Cutting or removing trees near live power lines is dangerous. It can cause serious injury, electric shock, fire, power outages and damage to property or electricity infrastructure. Trees and branches can fall or swing unexpectedly, and electricity can arc to nearby objects without direct contact.

Work near power lines may need to be carried out by a qualified contractor, or the line may need to be isolated before work begins.

Can Buller Electricity enter my property?

In some circumstances, the regulations allow a lines company to enter land to inspect trees or carry out work. If access is needed, Buller Electricity will follow the relevant legal requirements and local process.

In some situations relating to treefall hazard removal, Buller Electricity may also ask for the tree owner’s consent to enter the property and remove the tree.