Preparing your garden for a safe winter

Your safety is easy as 1, 2, 3

How to stay safe in your home and garden this winter

Trees and powerlines can be deadly together. Stay safe in your home and garden this winter by following these three simple steps:

1. Check your trees

Do you have any trees growing near to overhead powerlines on your property? If you do, make sure they are pruned to avoid contact with the lines.

Find out how close is too close

If a powerline and a cultivated tree is within your property boundaries, it is your responsibility to ensure branches are trimmed to a safe distance. By law, no person or equipment is permitted within three metres of a powerline without proper certification or training

2. Contact a professional

Trimming trees near overhead powerlines is dangerous. Only a professional arborist should carry out work on trees near live lines.

A professional will cost you less than a Western Power contractor, if we have to arrange to prune trees on your property due to a risk to public safety. If you value your safety, don’t risk electrocution of a loved one by pruning the tree yourself to save money.

Tree Guild president Geoff Jansen said professional contractor have permits to prune near powerlines and know the safe distances to keep from live lines.

”We can direct householders to a certified person who is trained to work near powerlines. Our members follow Australian Standards and our code of ethics. A qualified arborist can ensure any pruning of your trees is in the best interests of the tree and can work to reduce growth near powerlines for future years”.

Find professional arborists located near you at the Tree Guild website

3. Don’t touch fallen lines

Powerlines that have been damaged can still electrocute, causing serious injury or death. If you see a fallen powerline, contact Western Power immediately on 13 13 51 

More information

Planting Guide - there are many smaller trees and shrubs that look attractive and won’t cause power interruptions
Selecting an arborist - information on how to find a professional arborist in your area
How close is too close? - an illustration of the clearance you need to give trees and powerlines on your property
Safety near powerlines - recognise the risks and know what action to take in an emergency
Electrical accidents - If you witness an electrical accident it is important to respond quickly and with caution