Who trims what
| Situation | Usually responsible |
|---|---|
| Tree near network lines in the street | The network, or the council in some Victorian areas |
| Tree on your land near the service wire to your home | You, the property owner |
| Tree on your land near a private pole or line | You, the property owner |
| Tree on your land near network mains crossing the property | Usually the network. Ask it first. |
Ausgrid, for example, says that if a tree on your property is growing near service wires, you are responsible for arranging trimming to keep safe clearances.
Doing it safely
Do not touch
Keep yourself, ladders and tools well clear of any powerline.
Call the network
Ask whether the line is theirs or yours, and whether they need to disconnect or make the line safe.
Hire the right contractor
Use an arborist or contractor trained and authorised to work near powerlines.
Plant for the future
Choose low-growing species under or near lines so the problem does not come back.
Branch on a line?
Treat it as live. Keep everyone at least 8 metres away and call your network's faults line, or 000 if there is sparking, fire or anyone in danger.
Common questions
Networks generally clear trees near their street lines, and councils share this role in parts of Victoria. Property owners are usually responsible for trees on their land near the service wire to their home or near private lines.
No. Working near live lines is dangerous. Ask your network about the line, then use a contractor who is trained and authorised to work near powerlines.
If the tree is near network-owned lines, the network usually does the clearing as part of its maintenance program. For trees near your own service wire or private lines, you arrange and pay for it.
It depends on the voltage of the line, whether it is in a bushfire area and the rules in your state. Your network can tell you the clearance needed for a particular line before you or a contractor trim.
Your network's faults line, or 000 if there is sparking, fire or anyone in danger. Keep everyone well clear of the line and the tree.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.