Safe growing near powerlines
Trees that grow on your property are your responsibility – it's the law.
Trees and shrubs can make for a pleasant and restful environment. However, if they come in contact with a powerline, they can create a highly dangerous situation and may cause a fire or even bring the line down, cutting the electricity supply and potentially leaving live wires on the ground.
For your own safety and the safety of the community, you must ensure that there is a safe distance between powerlines and the branches and foliage of any trees and shrubs that grow on your property.
Keeping your trees and shrubs clear of powerlines will:
- protect your home and surrounding assets
- protect your neighbour's property
- save you money
- prevent power supply interruptions.
View Aurora's full guide to your responsibilities in Safe growing near powerlines (PDF 950KB).
You can also view more information on what natives can be planted near powerlines by municipality at the Understorey website (external link).
Look out below!
Plants' root systems can interfere with underground power cables. If your area has an underground power supply, remember that low voltage cables are buried approximately 500 mm below the surface and high voltage cables are buried approximately 900 mm. If you're in doubt of where cables are laid, contact Dial before you dig on 1100. For information on plants that will not interfere with underground cables, talk to your local plant nursery.