Summer is fast approaching, raising the importance of protecting your home and property against the threat of fire. To prevent sparks and flashovers check that your trees and powerlines are seperated by a large enough distance.
As trees dry out over the summer months, they become increasingly combustible and more susceptible to fire. It's important to make sure they are trimmed before the end of November.
Trees or branches that come into contact with powerlines are a major cause of power failure and can result in bushfires and serious accidents in your neighborhood. If trees have not been planted in the right place, or have become overgrown and are touching powerlines on your property, they need to be trimmed.
Home owners and occupiers, are responsible for making sure trees on their property are clear of powerlines. Tenants should check whether tree maintenance is covered in their rental agreement or if their landlord is responsible. Local councils are usually responsible for trimming trees on street verges. If you see a tree on the street verge growing too close to powerlines you should inform your local council or Western Power immediately on 13 10 87.
If you have trees or shrubs on your property that are close to powerlines use the search function below to determine the minimum space required between your trees and powerlines to minimise any risk to the safety of you and your neighbourhood.
Enter your suburb in the field below:
If your trees do require trimming Western Power recommends you hire a qualified tree pruner or arborist to trim your tree. It is very dangerous to attempt to trim trees anywhere near powerlines.
By law, no person or equipment is permitted within three metres of a powerline without proper certification or training. The Tree Guild of WA has a list of qualified arborists that are qualified to work near powerlines.
Professional tree pruners should have the following qualifications:
The clearance zones may vary in your suburb depending on the type of conductor used to transport electricity. Further details can be obtained from the 'Guidelines for the management of vegetation near powerlines' issued by EnergySafety WA or contact Western Power's vegetation management team.
Ensure a reasonable allowance for regrowth when trimming your trees so that your trees and shrubs are maintained outside the clearance zones all year round.
Page update on 1 February 2010
