Planting Guide
Why Should I Look Up Before I Plant?
Horizon Power is strongly committed to responsible care for the environment. Tall trees and power lines do not mix. However, many small trees and shrubs grow successfully near power lines. On the attached pages is a guide for you to select power line friendly plants for your garden. You can not only add colour and beauty to your garden, but also attract many native birds. Our selection includes Western Australian native plants, Australian native plants and exotic/introduced plants.
Why should I be concerned about trees under or near power lines?
- Power failures
Most power failures are caused by trees. - Safety
Children climbing trees (branches conduct electricity) or live wires brought down can result in electrocution. - Fires
Branches touching power lines can cause fires. - Equipment damage
Branches touching power lines can cause power surges. - Constant pruning
Incorrectly planted tall trees require continuous pruning.
Pruning tall trees that are either touching or near power lines is a specialist skill requiring the right training and equipment. If you are not a specialist you are placing yourself in a potentially dangerous situation if you choose to prune trees near power lines. Horizon Power strongly recommends you hire a professional who is insured and trained for working near power lines.
How do I ensure plants in my garden are not a power line hazard?
It's simple! In most cases you should plant trees and shrubs that grow no higher than 5 metres. However, please note that there are different restrictions for transmission lines. Transmission lines are those supported by poles taller than 15 metres or by steel towers. For further information about vegetation clearances near transmission lines, please contact Horizon Power on 1800 264 914.
Remember, in situations where tall trees are already established, tree trimming is one way to maintain the required minimum 2 metre clearance (2.5m to the side in rural areas). You may want to consider tree removal and replacement with a power line friendly plant.
Should I plan my tree selection?
YES! By choosing the right plant you can reduce or even remove the need for pruning near power lines. Tree trimming is generally carried out because the wrong type of tree has been planted too close to power lines. Before selecting and planting a tree or shrub, ask yourself - how high and wide will it be when fully grown? Your local nursery can help with your choice. You can then watch your trees achieve their true natural form, shape and beauty, and have no pruning costs. By planning, you can put the right tree in the right place.
Species selection
The plants on these pages are only some of the many plants you can choose at your local nursery. Not all of these plants will grow everywhere in Western Australia. Your local nursery person will be able to recommend other plants more suited to your area that will not grow too tall if planted near power lines.
What should I do if the power lines are down?
Stay clear of the wires and make sure other people are kept away. If possible get a friend or another person to contact Horizon Power on
13 23 51 immediately (and report back to you) while you stay nearby and keep others away.
For more information about trees around power lines, email Horizon Power.
Acknowledgments
Arboricultural Association (Incorporated WA); The Nursery industry Association of WA (Inc); Dept of Conservation and Land Management; Kings Park and Botanic Garden; University of WA; Water Corporation; Roadside Conservation Committee; The Tree Society (Inc); WA Herbarium (CALM); The Tree Guild of WA (Inc); RAIPR & City of Gosnells; John Banks; John Colwill; Marion Blackwel; Dr. JS Beard.