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.
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 - trees should be trimmed before the summer cyclone season (November to April).
- Mid-West and Southern WA - trees should be trimmed before winter (April to June).
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
Figure 2: Vegetation Clearance Zones for LV ABC
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.
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.
Three more ways to protect your home...
Always use a licensed contractor
Electricity is dangerous. Don’t risk causing harm to you or your family by doing your own electrical work.
Use a Residual Current Device (RCD)
Electrical accidents can happen in an instant and RCDs can help to protect you and your family.
Know how to safely use generators
If you use a portable generator to provide a back-up power supply for lighting, refrigerators and other essential appliances during power outages, know how to use it safely.
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.