Who Is Responsible For Trimming Trees Near Power Lines?

It’s one of the most common questions we get here at JC Tree Services – who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines QLD wide? The answer really depends on:

• Where the tree is located
• What type of power line is affected
• And which state or territory you’re in.

So let’s get deeper into it. In our exclusive guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know – whether the tree is on your private property, on council land, or affecting power supply to your home. We’ll also cover rules in neighbouring New South Wales for comparison, and help you avoid fines, outages, or dangerous DIY attempts.

1. General rules in Queensland

In Queensland, responsibility for vegetation near power lines is shared between property owners, electricity distributors (like Energex or Ergon), and local councils.

As a general rule:

• If a tree near power lines is on your property and affecting the private service line to your home, you are responsible.
• If the tree is on council land and affecting the main overhead network, the electricity distributor or council will manage it, depending on agreements in your area.

Understanding who owns or manages which part of the network is key to working out your responsibilities.

2. Trees on your property

Here’s a great rule to remember – trees touching power lines is never a good thing. But if you’ve got a tree branch touching a power line to the house, that’s the service line – the cable that connects the power pole to your home. In almost all cases, this is your responsibility.

Queensland laws require property owners to maintain tree clearance from power lines where vegetation crosses or threatens to touch the service wire. This includes regular trimming and monitoring, especially during storm season.

Ignoring this responsibility can lead to:

• Power outages
• Safety hazards
• Liability for damage
• Forced trimming and removal at your cost.

NEVER attempt to trim trees near power lines yourself – more on that below.

3. Trees on council land

So we’ve covered who is responsible for trimming trees near power lines on my property – but what about council land?

When a tree near power lines is on the street verge, median strip, or public park, the situation is different. These trees are typically managed by your local council or the electricity distributor (like Energex).

In these cases, you are NOT responsible for trimming – so you can report dangerous trees or vegetation encroaching on power lines. Councils often work closely with energy providers to maintain vegetation around infrastructure. 

Read more: https://jctreeservices.com.au/hints-and-tips/who-is-responsible-for-trimming-trees-near-power-lines-qld/