Trees, powerlines and safety — your responsibility

Trees growing near powerlines can cause blackouts and create safety hazards. They can also cause grass fires and bushfires or create a risk of electrocution.

• Under ACT law, land occupiers are responsible for keeping trees clear of powerlines.
• Trees are too close to powerlines if any part of the tree is within or likely to come within the minimum distance – see diagram below.
• Only ActewAGL-accredited tree surgeons are authorised to trim your trees if they are within the minimum distances.

Minimum distance of trees from powerlines

In most cases the minimum clearance of trees from powerlines is 1.5 metres. For higher voltage powerlines the minimum clearance increases. If you are not sure of the voltage of powerlines, call ActweAGL's technical enquiries number on 6248 3555.

When trimming trees you should allow for a three-year regrowth. To keep the costs of repeat trimming down you should trim trees to at least 2.5 metres from powerlines. The space vertically above the powerlines should also be kept clear of trees at all times. In bushfire-prone areas the minimum distance should be increased by at least 0.5 metres.

In the event that you experience a planned electricity outage, on no account should you treat overhead powerlines as de-energised and safe during the scheduled time of the outage for tree trimming purposes, as it would be very dangerous to do so.