What Happens If My Tree Falls On A Power Line?

Fallen power lines and power poles that have fallen due to a tree should only be handled by a professional electrician. Trees will often fall onto power lines from strong winds, old age or something, such as a car hitting them. The branches of the tree being too close to the power lines may also cause the wires to sag, hang or break from the added weight and interference. 

The best steps to take when fallen power lines are identified are:

1. Electrical safety is important so being a minimal 8m away from the fallen power lines and pole is important. If the wires or pole is touching any objects, such as fences or other trees, make sure to not touch them or the cables themselves.
2. Contact Ausgrid or Endeavour Energy to ensure the street and area is safe and the fallen power pole is safely dealt with. If the street experienced a power outage from the fallen power line then they will repair the issue as well.

If the power pole is a private power pole then Ausgrid will issue an electrical defect notice to the property owner. A level 2 electrician will need to perform electrical work to repair the fallen power lines and cable. Ausgrid will assist with the safety of the process but the private pole will be repaired by the level 2 accredited service worker.

A licensed tree trimmer who is trained to trim trees near power poles will be the person who performs the job. Tree trimming is already dangerous but working near power lines adds a new danger to the work. The chance of electrical shock and other issues are present which is why the qualified individual will perform the task.

The place where the trees are located will determine who is responsible for organising the tree trimming authorised service. Either the local council or the private property owner will need to arrange the professional and ensure the trees are trimmed correctly. 

Local Council

Any council tree will need either the local government, council or utility company to trim the trees. If a tree is noticed to be close to power lines then individuals can alert the local council of the potential hazard. They will make sure that the tree is either trimmed or removed if needed as close as they were notified. 

Private Property

When trees are growing close to power lines that are within private property the property owner will need to make sure the trees are trimmed. Most utility networks will still perform a yearly vegetation management program to ensure all power lines are safe, which includes trimming branches. If there are any trees that are growing too close to the power lines then a licensed tree trimmer will still need to be contacted by the property owner

The place where the trees are located will determine who is responsible for organising the tree trimming authorised service. Either the local council or the private property owner will need to arrange the professional and ensure the trees are trimmed correctly. 

Local Council

Any council tree will need either the local government, council or utility company to trim the trees. If a tree is noticed to be close to power lines then individuals can alert the local council of the potential hazard. They will make sure that the tree is either trimmed or removed if needed as close as they were notified. 

Private Property

When trees are growing close to power lines that are within private property the property owner will need to make sure the trees are trimmed. Most utility networks will still perform a yearly vegetation management program to ensure all power lines are safe, which includes trimming branches. If there are any trees that are growing too close to the power lines then a licensed tree trimmer will still need to be contacted by the property owner.

Trees are trimmed depending on the type and health of the tree and also what type of power pole and lines are present. Safety considerations and if the area is prone to bushfires are also important factors during the tree trimming process. For most residential areas the minimum distance tree branches should be to power lines is one metre. 

Trees are trimmed so they are of correct distance but the possibility for regrowth is still possible. This is to ensure that the branches will not grow faster between the visits of the tree trimming process. It is also done to more importantly keep the tree’s health well which is why the branches are trimmed to the nearest growth collar or point. This is needed so the tree does not become infected with diseases and die from the process. 

Any clippings or alike from the tree trimming job will be cleared properly by the trimmer.