Tree safety near power lines
Trees and power lines are not a good mix.
In windy conditions and during storms, tree branches and other vegetation can blow on to lines – leaving them either hanging low or lines down on the ground. If you do come across low-hanging or downed power lines, keep people and animals well clear and report it to us on 0800 27 27 27 or call 111.
Keeping trees clear of lines, and not planting new vegetation near power lines, keeps us all safe and helps keep the power on.
It's the property owner’s responsibility to keep their trees a safe distance from overhead lines. People cutting or pruning trees near live lines are at risk of electrocution or serious injuries. If your tree grows too close to power lines, to stay safe you must use a professional tree trimming service to carry out any tree cutting or tree pruning on your property.
Keeping trees clear of lines keeps us all safe. That’s why it’s important for you to trim your trees when we ask you to.
Tree's in the lines?
0800 27 27 27 or call 111.
Received a Cut or Trim notice?
No Interest tree page
Find out how to declare no interest in a tree.
Trees close to a line?
Apply for a Close Approach here.
Cut or Trim notice - what to do
We monitor trees growing close to our power lines and send Cut or Trim notices to tree owners. These say what’s required, by when.
If you receive a Cut or Trim notice, contact one of the approved contractors in your area and they will:
- Let you know if this is the first cut, and Powerco will pay
- Provide a quote if this is second or subsequent cut and you will need to pay
- Work with you to get the power isolated (turned off) if it’s required for safety
If you don’t act on a Cut or Trim notice within the timeframe given, you can be fined up to $10,000 and a further $500 per day until the work is done. You may also be liable for costs associated with damaged power lines or equipment caused by your tree, so please work with us to keep our network safe.
Responsibilities
What we're responsible for
- Monitoring trees close to our power lines
- Covering the cost of the first trim if your tree hasn't previously been cut
.
What you're responsible for
- Keeping trees clear of your service line
- Using an approved contractor to trim trees within 4m of your service line.
- Contacting your retailer (the company you pay your power bill to) to arrange for a temporary disconnection so your contractor can work safely.
Note: Your retailer will need at least 24 hours notice.
Maintaining your trees
Property owners are legally required to keep trees a minimum safe distance away from overhead lines under the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003. If your tree grows too close, you must get it trimmed by an approved contractor. Keeping trees clear of lines ensures a safer, more reliable network for us all.
It's important to maintain a safe distance between trees and power lines to prevent electrical hazards and power outages. Powerco provide guidelines for property owners and tree contractors regarding the safe distances that trees should be planted from power lines and how to safely prune trees near power lines. There are also potential risks and dangers of trees growing too close to power lines, such as electrocution and fires.
| Overhead line voltage | Growth limit zone | Cut-back zone | Notice zone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power lines (230–400 V) | 0.5m | 1.5m | 2.5m |
| High voltage lines (6.6kV) | 1.6m | 2.6m | 3.6m |
| High voltage lines (11kV) | 1.6m | 2.6m | 3.6m |
| High voltage lines (33kV)* | 2.5m | 3.5m | 4.5m |
| High voltage lines (50–66 kV)* | 3.0m | 4.0m | 5.0m |
| High voltage lines (66kV or more)* | 4.0m | 5.0m | 6.0m |
Powerco-approved tree contractors
Working near power lines is dangerous. That's why any tree within 4m of lines must be trimmed by an approved contractor. You can be prosecuted under the Electricity (Safety) Regulations 2010 for attempting to carry out tree trimming work yourself.
The contractor will provide you with a quote and can let you know how to get a temporary power isolation (disconnection) to your property so they can work safely. They can also let you know if you're eligible for the first cut to be free.
Manawatu, Taihape, Raetihi
| Contractor | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Arb Innovations Ltd | 0800 272 583 | arbinnovations.co.nz |
| Asplundh | 0800 4277 583 | asplundh.co.nz |
| Treesmart | 0800 80 80 39 or 021 882 581 | treesmart.co.nz |
| Tree Truck Ltd | 027 607 9666 | treetruck.co.nz |
Taranaki
| Contractor | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Asplundh | 0800 4277 583 | asplundh.co.nz |
| Tree Truck Ltd (South Taranaki) | 027 607 9666 | treetruck.co.nz |
| Tricky Tree Specialist Ltd | 06 7532 924 or 0800 TRICKY | trickytreespecialist.co.nz |
Thames Valley, Coromandel, Tauranga
| Contractor | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Franklin Trees | 0800 272 624 | franklintrees.co.nz |
| ArborCare | 0800 272672 or 07 543 1775 | arborcare.co.nz |
| Asplundh | 0800 4277 583 | asplundh.co.nz |
| Treescape | 0800 873 396 | treescape.co.nz |
Wairarapa
| Contractor | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Arb Innovations Ltd | 0800 272 583 | arbinnovations.co.nz |
| Treesmart | 0800 80 80 39 or 021 882 581 | treesmart.co.nz |
| Wairarapa Treescaping | 0800 9248 733 | waitreescaping.nz |
Whanganui
| Contractor | Phone | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Asplundh | 0800 4277 583 | asplundh.co.nz |
| Tree Truck Ltd | 027 607 9666 | treetruck.co.nz |
Forestry and power lines
Safety around our networks
Replant for Tomorrow
Frequently asked questions
Before you plant – look up! Aim to choose trees and shrubs that will grow to a height of no more than 4m near a power line. And remember to regularly trim your trees near power lines.
All growing situations are unique. We recommend you talk to your local garden centre for their advice about what plants grow to what size in your region.
Choosing the right tree for the right spot is very important if you are planting near power lines.
Aim to choose trees and shrubs that will grow to a height of no more than 4m near a power line.
All growing situations are unique. We recommend you talk to your local garden centre for their advice about what plants grow to what size in your region.
While trees and shrubs may be recommended as suitable for planting under or near power lines, please be aware that as the tree owner you are responsible for ensuring trees on your land are a safe distance from power lines.
Remember, before you plant - look up!
If a tree on your property is near power lines, and is either self-seeded or at the time of planting, you reasonably believed it wouldn't interfere with power lines when fully grown, then you can declare 'no interest' in the tree. This means it will be trimmed or removed at Powerco's discretion (or may not be worked on at all). Follow the instructions on this Declaring no interest in trees form.
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