Power Line Clearance Perth
Western Power qualified crews clearing vegetation from low and high voltage lines, including house service lines and main distribution lines.
Power Line Clearance Perth
Trees growing into or near power lines are a serious safety hazard. Dickies Tree Service is Western Power qualified to clear vegetation from both low and high voltage lines, including house service lines and main distribution lines.
With approximately 12 staff trained in Powerline ESI clearance and insulated equipment built for the job, we carry out this work safely across the Perth metropolitan area. We operate seven days a week and can respond to urgent situations quickly.
Who is responsible for trees near power lines
In Western Australia, responsibility depends on where the tree is growing.
- On private property, the occupier is responsible, including tenants
- The obligation sits under the Energy Operators (Powers) Act 1979
- Local councils are responsible for trees on road verges
- Western Power manages vegetation on public land
- Most owners are unaware of the duty until a notice arrives
- If you are unsure about a tree, it is worth getting it checked early
The Western Power 40-day notice
- InspectionWestern Power inspects lines across the network each year and identifies vegetation encroaching on the required clearances.
- Notice issuedA 40-day notice goes to the property occupier, setting out the clearance work that needs to be arranged.
- You arrange clearanceEngaging a qualified arborist before the deadline gives you control over how the work is done and how the tree is left.
- Default cutIf no action is taken, Western Power can arrange a default cut at the occupier's expense.
Clearance requirements
- Required clearance zonesWestern Power sets minimum clearance distances between vegetation and power lines. What applies at your property depends on the type of line, the location and the local fire risk rating.
- Clear to skyWestern Power also applies a clear to sky policy, meaning no vegetation should be growing above the lines.
- Current guidelinesRequirements change, so we work to Western Power's current published guidelines on every job. You can read them on the Western Power website, or we can tell you what applies at your property.
Why clearance matters
Contact between vegetation and live conductors creates a risk of electrocution for anyone near the tree, and branches can cause arcing that ignites surrounding vegetation.
In Perth's hot, dry summers a single point of contact can start a fire, which is why high fire risk areas carry wider clearance requirements. Branches on lines also cause outages that affect you and your neighbours.
Service lines and main lines
Service lines run from the street pole to your property and typically carry lower voltage, while main distribution lines run along streets and carry higher voltage. Property occupiers are responsible for keeping vegetation on their property clear of service lines, and Western Power may issue a notice where pruning is required.
Our qualified crews can carry out this work safely and to the required clearance. Regular pruning and monitoring is the simplest way to stay ahead of it.
- 40+Years in Perth, family owned
- 7Crews across the metro area
- 13Staff with Certificate III in Arboriculture
- $20mPublic liability insurance
- QTRAAnd VALID registered assessor on the team
Common questions
Who is responsible for clearing trees near power lines in Perth?
The property occupier is responsible for trees on private land, including tenants. Local councils manage verge trees and Western Power handles public land. This is set out under the Energy Operators (Powers) Act 1979.
What clearance is required around power lines in WA?
Western Power sets minimum clearance distances, and the figures vary with the type of line, the location and the local fire risk rating. Rather than quote a number that may not apply to you, we work to their current published guidelines and can tell you what your property needs.
What happens if I receive a Western Power 40-day notice?
You have 40 days to arrange for the vegetation to be cleared to the required distances. If no action is taken, Western Power can carry out a default cut at your expense.
Can I trim trees near power lines myself?
No. Working near live power lines is extremely dangerous and should only be carried out by qualified, insured professionals. Our crews hold Powerline ESI training and use insulated tools designed for the work.
Does Western Power pay for tree trimming on my property?
No. The cost of clearing trees on private property sits with the occupier. Western Power is only responsible for vegetation on public land that affects the network.
Which trees cause the most problems in Perth?
Fast-growing species such as eucalypts, jacarandas and Canary Island date palms are frequent causes of clearance issues. Any tree planted near a power line easement can become a problem as it matures.
Service Areas
Working for businesses, shires and government, north, south and east of the river allows us to efficiently cover the whole metropolitan area, from Yanchep to Rockingham, and everywhere in between. We are your local arborists in Perth.
