Trees Powerlines and Safety

Tree Clearance from Power Lines: Power Line Safety and Responsibilities

Maintaining tree clearance from power lines is crucial for safety and uninterrupted power supply. Trees and vegetation growing too close to powerlines or utility infrastructure pose serious risks, including blackouts, fires, and electrocution. Ensuring the safety of overhead power lines requires regular maintenance and following the necessary guidelines. Here’s everything you need to know about keeping trees and vegetation clear of powerlines.

Why Tree Clearance from Power Lines is Important

Trees growing near powerlines can lead to several serious hazards:

• Blackouts: Branches touching or falling on powerlines can cause power outages, disrupting electricity to homes and businesses.
• Fire Hazards: Overgrown trees and vegetation can ignite, leading to grass fires or bushfires, especially during dry, hot seasons.
• Electrocution: Contact between trees and powerlines can cause electric shock, posing a risk to anyone in the vicinity.
• Restricted Access: Overgrown vegetation can prevent utility companies from conducting necessary maintenance on power poles, cables, and other infrastructure.

What is Considered Overhead Infrastructure?

Overhead infrastructure includes powerlines, power poles, and overhead cables. These structures require a clear area around them to ensure safe operation and maintenance access.

Four Key Points for Landowners

As a landowner or occupier, it’s your responsibility to maintain safe clearance between trees, vegetation, and powerlines. Here are four important things to remember:

1. Maintain Proper Clearance: Trees, shrubs, and other vegetation on your property must remain clear of powerlines and other utility infrastructure. You are legally obligated to ensure nothing encroaches on the required safety clearance zones.

2. Adhere to Minimum Clearances: The minimum distance between vegetation and powerlines must be maintained at all times. These clearances are designed to prevent accidents and ensure the safety of utility workers.

3. Only Certified Arborists Can Work Near Powerlines: It’s essential to use only ActewAGL-accredited tree surgeons when performing tree trimming near powerlines. These professionals are trained to work safely around electricity infrastructure.

4. Never Assume Powerlines are Safe: In the event of a power outage, whether planned or unexpected, do not assume powerlines are de-energised. Never attempt to trim trees or perform any other work near powerlines without confirmation from the utility company that the area is safe.

Legal Obligations Beyond Property Boundaries

It’s essential to note that even if powerlines or other utility infrastructure are adjacent to your property and not directly within your boundaries, you are still responsible for ensuring there is no interference. Minimum clearance requirements still apply, and failure to comply can result in legal and financial consequences.

Protecting Utility Infrastructure During Construction and Landscaping

If you are planning construction or landscaping projects, you must ensure that trees, vegetation, or built structures do not interfere with powerlines or other infrastructure. Even if you hire a draftsperson, builder, or landscaper, the responsibility for compliance lies with the property owner. Be sure to communicate these clearance requirements to any contractors you engage.

Private Power Poles: Your Responsibility

If you have a privately-owned power pole on your property, it’s your responsibility to ensure it meets safety standards. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to prevent potential hazards.

Final Thoughts on Tree Clearance and Power Line Safety

It’s crucial to work with ActewAGL-accredited tree surgeons for any tree trimming near powerlines and to maintain regular inspections. By following proper safety standards and maintaining required clearances, you can help avoid fires, blackouts, and accidents.

For professional advice and assistance, contact us.

We offer comprehensive tree inspection and diagnosis services in Canberra, emergency tree removal Canberra, and are fully accredited to work near powerlines. Keep your property safe and compliant with our expert tree management solutions.

About Us

O’Brien’s Tree Services: Your Trusted Arborists Since 2006

We are a family-owned and operated tree care business, serving Canberra and it’s surroundings for over two decades. With extensive experience, we excel in tree services, from trimming to tree removal and stump grinding.

Our skilled team handles all tasks, ensuring your trees receive expert care. We proudly serve Canberra, Murrumbateman, Yass, and Queanbeyan, with no job too big or small.

Fully certified and qualified, we offer peace of mind. Contact us for a FREE QUOTE. Explore our tree services here: Tree Services in Canberra.

 

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TREE SERVICES CANBERRA

OUR CANBERRA TREE SERVICES INCLUDE:

TREE ASSESSMENTS AND ADVICE

Trees are the most important part of our home landscape due largely to their dominance in size and their… Read More

TREE REMOVALS CANBERRA

We are qualified to undertake tree removal Canberra, including dead and dangerous trees. We have… Read more

ACTEWAGL POWERLINE CLEARING

ACT homes owners are required by legislation to keep trees and vegetation clear of overhead powerlines…, Read More

PRUNING / TRIMMING (NOT “LOPPING”)

Lopping is a term sometimes used by customers but qualified tree surgeons would never use this word as lopping…Read More

Hedge Trimming Canberra

We take immense pride in our work, ensuring that every hedge trimming project is executed with the utmost …Read More

Wood splitting

We can provide a wood splitting service with our experienced staff and uses only the highest quality equipment to ensure.…Read More

Stump grinding

We offer a stump grinding service to remove unwanted stumps. Leaving a tree stump in the ground after a tree has been .…Read More

Site clearing

We have the right equipment to do Site clearing in a quick and cost effective manner. we are happy to provide a quotation  …Read More

WE ALSO OFFER A RANGE OF EXTRA TREE SERVICES

wood chipping

we are equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to chip and process all the trees and vegetation we remove from your site. we can take the .…Read More

Mulching

Mulching is a highly effective technique that offers a multitude of benefits for your trees and garden. By applying a layer of high-quality mulch around the…Read More

Wood splitting

We can provide a wood splitting service. Our experienced staff is committed to providing excellent service and uses only the highest quality equipment…Read More

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Testimonial

O'Briens Tree Services Canberra

5.0

Based on 5 reviews

review us on

Susan Ball

04:38 24 Jun 23

Brett and team - I just want to pass on how pleased Rob and I were with the work yesterday when u removed the very large tree in our backyard in Curtin. The team were so professional courteous, safe and cleaned up afterwards. For what has been a roller coaster of an emotional time , as we did not want to lose the tree but could not risk our our safety , your team made the whole experience so much nicer. I would recommend you to anyone who asks us! Cheers..

Leigh G

09:48 07 Jun 23

Appreciate the team's work, thanks heaps for cleaning up my tree. Great to deal with, thank you.

Sarah Barnes

10:14 02 Jun 23

The team from O’Briens Tree Service have done two large tree removal jobs for us. Both times they have been prompt and professional. I was really impressed with the huge amount of work they got completed in one day.The price was very reasonable for the size of the job.Very easy to deal with. I would give them more than 5 stars if I could.Will have them back for any future tree work and will recommend them to any family or friends looking for tree services.

Nick Evans

11:27 29 May 23

O'Briens tree services removed a large tree in my backyard. I was able to get a quote and have the work done quickly and to a high standard. They were friendly, professional and communicated well about the job. Thanks!

Jennifer Miller

22:11 22 May 23

Very happy with the prompt and professional tree removal provided.

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