Trees near power lines

Stay well clear. Do not touch the tree, branch, power line, or anything that is in contact with them. Call 111 if there is immediate danger, then contact [us / your local lines company] on 0800 27 27 27. Always treat power lines as live.

If you, the tree, or any tools or equipment could come within 4 metres of a power line, do not attempt the work yourself. Contact us first. Cutting or removing trees near live power lines is dangerous and may require a qualified contractor or the line to be isolated.

In most cases, the tree owner is responsible for managing their trees so they do not breach the regulations. We also have responsibilities, including monitoring vegetation risks, issuing notices, responding to electrical hazards and, in some circumstances, meeting the cost of work. The exact responsibility depends on the tree and the type of notice involved.

The regulated distances depend on the voltage and span of the line, so they are not always easy to judge from the ground. Do not try to measure around a live line. Contact us if you are concerned about a tree or are planning work near a line.

A hazard warning notice alerts a tree owner that vegetation has entered the hazard warning notice zone and may continue growing towards the growth limit zone. A cut or trim notice is issued when a tree has entered the growth limit zone and requires the tree owner to have it cut back. Each notice will explain what it relates to and what the tree owner needs to do.

Read the notice carefully and contact us promptly if anything is unclear. The notice will set out the work required, the deadline, and the options available to you. You must tell us the time and location of the work at least three working days before it takes place. Do not arrange work that cannot be carried out safely. If you need guidance on who can carry out the work, contact us for advice.

It depends on the circumstances. If a tree qualifies for its first cut or trim under the regulations, we generally meet the reasonable cost. Ongoing maintenance is generally the tree owner’s responsibility. Different rules can apply where there is an agreement, a no-interest tree notice, refused access, a tree planted unlawfully in the low height planting zone, or a self-sown tree that establishes there and is not managed. Contact us about your situation.

For some power lines, the growth limit zone extends vertically above the line as well as around it. This prevents vegetation forming a tunnel over the line. Clear to the sky already applies to higher-voltage lines in both urban and non-urban areas. From 17 October 2026, it will also apply to lines at 11 kV or below outside urban areas.

In some circumstances, the regulations allow contractors acting on our behalf to enter land to inspect trees or carry out work. If access is needed, we will follow the relevant legal requirements and local process. In some situations, relating to treefall hazard removal, we may also ask for the tree owner’s consent to enter the property and remove the tree.

Contact us as soon as possible so we can try and resolve the matter. The options depend on the type of notice or dispute, and some time limits are short. Certain matters can be referred to the Tree Arbitrator. Other complaints may be considered by Utilities Disputes Limited.

In some circumstances, a tree owner can formally tell the lines company that they have no interest in a tree. This is called a no-interest tree notice. The lines company may then choose to manage the tree, subject to the rules about access and who pays. If you have already received a cut or trim notice or, from 23 July 2028, a treefall hazard notice, the no-interest notice generally needs to be given within 10 working days. This option is not available for trees planted in breach of the low height planting rules.

A dispensation may allow a tree to remain closer to a power line than the normal cut-back zone, subject to conditions. It does not allow the tree to grow into the growth limit zone beyond the distance specified in the dispensation. If you have received a cut or trim notice, an application needs to be made within five working days. Dispensations are not available in some low height planting zone situations.

Contact us and your local council before arranging work. Additional requirements or permissions may apply, but the tree must still be managed safely. Do not trim or remove a protected tree near a power line without first checking the correct process.

Failing to comply with certain requirements without reasonable excuse can be an offence. A tree owner may be fined up to $10,000. For a continuing offence involving a cut or trim notice, a further fine of up to $500 for each day or part of a day may apply. The treefall hazard notice offences apply from 23 July 2028 and carry a fine of up to $10,000.