tree trimming and power lines

TREE TRIMMING AND POWERLINES

For reasons of public safety, and to avoid blackouts to electricity supply, there must be safe clearances between powerlines and tree growth. Generally, it is the responsibility of the householder to ensure that vegetation is kept clear of powerlines. This includes the cost of preventive trimming for safety and repair. Trimming trees and shrubs near powerlines may be dangerous and should not he done if there is any doubt about safety.

Certain clearances are required from the powerlines and street light wires. Do not attempt to measure these distances. Branches should not touch any phone wires or cables. It is advisable to allow for at least three years regrowth to the minimum clearance when trimming. Young trees can grow more than a metre a year. Consider whether it would be more practical to completely remove the trees growing into powerlines.

New trees should be planted at a distance from the powerlines that is equal to the expected height of the tree. When planting:

dig a hole 50% wider and 50rnm deeper than the pot
cut back damaged roots
to promote natural root growth, carefully make shallow slices to the root ball and cut circling roots.
water well immediately
mulch to retain moisture and control weeds
keep mulch clear of stem
pat down soil to remove air pockets.

SUGGESTED TREES WHEN PLANTING NEAR POWERLINES

TREES THAT GROW UP TO 2M TALL

NAME	METRES	DESCRIPTION
A. buxifolia - Box leaved wattle .	2	Blue green oval foliage
Allocasuarina nana- Dwarf She-oak	1-2	Dense needle like foliage
Berberis Darwinii - Darwin Barberry	1.5	Yellow flowers, blue black berries, prickly foliage
B.Heterophylla - Kalgan or Red Boronia	2	Fragrant foliage
Calytrix tetragonia - Common fringe myrtle	1-2	Profuse white to pink flowers in Spring.
Correa Alba - White Correa	1.5	White bell flowers, grey green foliage.
G. Rosmarinfolia Rosemary Grevillea	1-2	Red flowers. Very hardy & dense.
Juniperus Chinensis - Juniper	2	Green to bluish foliage.
Melaleuca Decussata - Cross leaf honey myrtle	2	Dense foliage
Raphiolepis delacourii - Pink Indian hawthorn	2	Pink flowers, black berries & evergreen.
Westringia fruiticosa Coastal rosemary	2	Fairly hardy fruiticosa.
TREES THAT GROW UP TO 4M TALL
Acacia Boormanii- Snowy River wattle 4		Grows quickly in sun.
Bakea Virgata-Twiggy heath myrtle	4	Dense foliage, hardy. Good for wet areas.
Banksia Ericifolia-Heath Banksia	4	Screening plant
Callisteman citrinus -Red bottlebrush	4	Frost tender when young
C. Phoeniceus - Fiery bottlebrush	3	Fast growing, drought ender
Cornus Florida - Dogwood	4	Red or white flowers
H. Nodosa -Yellow Hakea	3	Very hardy fragrant
Malus-joenis -Bechtal’s crabapple	4	Deciduous. Pink flowers in October.
P. Mume - Flowering apricot	4	Late winter flowering. Pink flowers.
Prostanthera -Victorian Xmas Bush	4	Drought tender, fragrant,
Lasianthos		Requires a well drained site.
Punica granatum -Pomegranate	3	Large orange/red flowers and fruit.
Syringa vulgaris - Lilac	4	Many varieties, fragrant flowers. Deciduous.

These trees are suggestions only. Your local nursery will be able to advise you on trees suitable for planting near powerlines.