Powerline clearance requirements in Victoria: what councils expect from you

Got a branch giving your powerline a bit too much attention? Good on you for checking. In Victoria, powerline clearance requirements are taken seriously, and they don’t just apply to big infrastructure.

What you’re allowed to prune (and when) can change from one council to the next. Some let you handle it yourself. Others want forms, permits, or just a whole lot of patience. It’s no wonder people get confused.

This guide breaks it all down. We’ll help you figure out what rules apply at your place, what to watch for, and how to stay on the safe side of it all. And if you’d rather not mess around with ladders and red tape, Trav’s Tree Services offers qualified powerline clearance services across Melbourne.

What are powerlines and why clearance matters

Powerlines carry electricity from the network to homes, businesses and entire communities. They run along streets, across back fences and in some cases straight over your property. Some are high-voltage transmission lines. Others are low-voltage lines that power your street.

No matter the size, they all have one thing in common: they need to stay clear of trees. Branches growing too close can spark fires, bring down lines during storms or even cause serious injury. It is not just about safety. It is about keeping the power on for everyone.

Clearance rules exist to prevent these risks. They set out how far vegetation should be kept from powerlines, and they vary depending on the type of line, the local fire risk and who manages the land.

If something already looks too close for comfort, or you reckon there’s damage in the making, check out our guide on how to report trees on powerlines.

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Who is responsible for keeping powerlines clear?

Responsibility depends on where the tree is growing and what kind of line it is near.

If the tree is growing on your private property and it is encroaching on the powerlines that connect to your home, you are likely the one responsible for keeping it clear. That includes booking regular inspections and hiring a qualified arborist if anything gets too close.

On public land, such as a street verge or park, it is usually your local council or the electricity distributor that handles clearance. Utility companies also manage scheduled trimming on major powerlines to reduce the risk of outages or bushfires.

If you are not sure who is meant to deal with a particular tree, start by contacting your local council. You can also check your power bill to find your distributor, or use the Energy Safe Victoria lookup tool for clarity.

The tricky bit is figuring out who’s meant to deal with what. To make life easier, we’ve put together a full breakdown in our guide on who is responsible for trimming trees near powerlines.

Tree trimming regulations by council area

Why local council rules matter

In Victoria, the Electricity Safety Act sets a base level of rules for how close vegetation can grow to powerlines. These include minimum clearance distances, inspection requirements, and mitigation strategies to reduce bushfire risk. But that’s only part of the story.

Most local councils add their own layers on top. These might include tree protection overlays, specific permit requirements, or seasonal restrictions — especially during high fire danger periods. That means what’s allowed in one suburb might get you fined in another.

To find out what applies where you live, the best first step is to identify your local council.

What kinds of rules do councils enforce?

Here’s what often shows up in council guidelines around vegetation and powerline clearance:

• Protected or significant tree overlays (VPOs): If your tree is listed or protected, you may need council approval before trimming.
• Permit requirements: Some councils require a permit to prune or remove trees, even for safety reasons.
• Tree species and location restrictions: Rules can change based on what kind of tree it is, how close it is to your property boundary, and whether it’s in a bushfire-prone area.
• Public vs private land: Trimming rules differ depending on whether the tree is on your property or on a street verge or laneway.

Examples from Melbourne councils

Here’s a snapshot of what a few Melbourne councils have to say:

• City of Boroondara tree guidelines: Requires a permit for any pruning of protected trees.
• City of Moreland (Merri-bek) tree guidelines: Has a Significant Tree Register. A permit is required to prune or remove listed trees.
• City of Yarra tree guidelines: Trees on private land are covered under local laws and VPOs.
• City of Glen Eira tree guidelines: Certain trees require permits for removal or trimming, especially during fire danger periods.

Always double-check with the council directly, as rules can change.

When in doubt, get professional help

Trying to make sense of permit overlays and clearance distances isn’t most people’s idea of a relaxing weekend. And getting it wrong can be costly.

Trav’s Tree Services works across dozens of Melbourne councils. We stay up to date with permit rules, overlay maps, and best practice for electric line clearance. Whether you’ve got a leafy block in a quiet suburb or a tricky situation on a boundary fence, we can help you stay safe and compliant.

If you’re not sure where to start, we’re happy to assess the trees on your property and give you a clear plan forward.

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Minimum clearance distances near powerlines

As a general rule, trees should be kept at least one metre away from powerlines. That is your basic safety buffer, but it is not one-size-fits-all. The actual clearance required depends on a few things. It depends on the type of line, how fast the tree grows, how close it is to buildings or fences, and the level of bushfire risk in your area.

Even smaller low-voltage lines can cause serious problems if a branch gets too close. All powerlines are live. They can arc, short out or bring down the network in the wrong conditions. Wet weather and high winds make it even riskier.

This is where a qualified arborist makes all the difference. They will know the local rules, understand the technical side of line clearance and carry out the job safely. A proper safety assessment can save you a lot of stress and prevent damage before it happens.

What happens if you don’t meet clearance regulations?

Ignoring clearance rules can lead to more than just an overgrown tree. Councils or electricity providers may issue notices or fines if your vegetation poses a hazard or fails to meet the published clearance requirements. In serious cases, you could be held responsible for damage to the network, outages, or safety incidents like fires or electric shocks.

Overgrown trees can bring down lines or cause sparks that lead to fires, especially in bushfire-prone parts of Victoria. And if the tree sits on your private property, the liability might fall to you.

Getting a professional to inspect and manage the clearance reduces the risk, makes sure you’re following the rules, and gives you peace of mind that your place is safe.

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How Trav’s works with local councils

We’ve worked with dozens of councils across Melbourne and regional Victoria. That means we understand which areas require permits, what kinds of overlays apply, and how the process works from end to end.

If there’s red tape involved, we can help cut through it. Our team can liaise directly with council staff when needed, making sure all the paperwork is sorted and your clearance work ticks every box.

Every job we do meets Victoria’s electric line clearance standards and follows the relevant safety code for trimming around service wires. We’re fully insured, council-aware, and committed to keeping your property safe without the hassle.

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Get help with safe tree trimming and council compliance

You don’t have to figure this out alone. If you're feeling unsure about the rules or just want someone who knows how to handle things safely, we’re here to help.

Trav’s Tree Services is trained, insured, and qualified. We understand council rules, vegetation overlays, and the practical realities of tree management on private properties.

‍Contact Trav’s Tree Services today for help managing trees around your service lines.

Extra help and common questions

How do I know if my council has published a vegetation clearance map or overlay?

Many municipal councils publish planning maps or vegetation overlays on their websites. These maps often reference zones that include rules about how close vegetation can grow to infrastructure like powerlines. Always double-check the most recent version or call your council’s planning team for clarification.

What does it mean to “work near overhead powerlines” and who is allowed to do it?

Working near overhead powerlines refers to any activity that brings a person, tool, or vegetation within a certain distance of a live electrical line. Only authorised workers from trained organisations can carry out this type of work safely and legally. It’s not just about safety — it’s about proper industry practice.

Can I plan tree removal as part of a larger property upgrade or development?

Yes, but you’ll likely need to submit an application through your council’s planning department. They may assist with guidance on what permits apply and how tree removal fits into your overall development or landscape planning.

What if I’m concerned about a neighbour’s tree near the service wire?

Start by speaking to your neighbour directly. If that doesn’t resolve the concern, you can contact your local council or electricity provider. They may inspect the site and determine whether any intervention is needed. Some councils adopt a shared responsibility approach when trees are growing across property boundaries.

How close can trees grow before they become a hazard?

Hazard potential starts well before a branch physically touches a line. Vegetation growing within a couple of metres of live wires may pose a fire risk or interrupt the power supply. It all depends on the voltage of the wires. To avoid issues, keep trees well back from the vicinity of overhead lines and book regular inspections.

Are there different safety codes for Victorian councils?

While the statewide electricity safety code applies across Victoria, some councils conduct additional assessments or implement their own trimming schedules. These local conduct rules aim to protect community infrastructure and can vary by region.

What’s the best way to describe a clearance issue when making a report?

Provide a clear description that includes the tree’s location, size, proximity to the line, and any visible issues (e.g. sagging wires, sparking, broken limbs). Photos can help. This speeds up the process and makes it easier for council or power providers to approve action quickly.

What mitigation steps help prevent overgrowth between trims?

Ongoing tree management is key. Choose species that grow slowly and are easier to maintain. Operate on a schedule that aligns with seasonal growth, and maintain safe clearance buffers at all times. The purpose is to reduce future risk and avoid urgent callouts.