Before you plant

Consider how high and how wide your tree will grow. If planting near powerlines, choose a low-growing, powerline-friendly species. Check our Plant smart search for powerline friendly plants in your council region.

Before you plant:

• Plan where you are going to plant. Plants must be at least three metres from power poles. Plant shrubs or small trees one metre inside the kerb where the council footway is a minimum of four metres wide. Allow for at least a two metre gap between the service wire to your home and the height of mature trees.
• If your tree will grow to five meters, you should plant it five meters away from the power pole. If it will grow to ten meters, it should be ten meters away. Keeping trees away from powerlines helps keep the power on and you safe.
• Check with your council for planting guidelines, especially if planning to plant on your council footway. Residents who wish to plant trees on council-controlled land in locations other than streets or council footways, may need written permission.
• Consider the location of overhead and underground services, including the service line to your home. Visit Before You Dig Australia to request information about underground cables on or near your property.
• Check the visibility from your driveway, intersection sight lines and access to your property.
• Consider pedestrian traffic, mail service and garbage truck access.
• Check required clearance from street lights.
• Consider which type of tree you should plant. Choose a powerline-friendly plant. Check with your local plant nursery or council for recommendations.

The diagram below shows the recommended minimum distance between a pole and a grown tree, and the desired maximum grown height of trees under powerlines