Safetrees create a safe environment for your community

Establishing gardens are an important part of being a property owner and creating a home.  Trees and plants are often selected for particular characteristics, such as type of blossom, foliage and species origin.

When making choices, it is critical to remember that certain types of vegetation can be dangerous if they grow within close proximity to powerlines.  Selecting a species that won’t grow up into powerlines is an important step to creating a safe environment in your community.

ENERGEX and Greening Australia are working in partnership to help make selection and planting in your garden easy and safe.  There are more than 100 species that carry the safetree seal of approval and are available at participating nurseries.

The recommended species have the following features:

• grow less than 4 metres tall
• a comparatively longer lifespan
• a low susceptibility to pests and diseases
• don’t tend to shed material (eg, branches and fronds)
• suitable for South-East Queensland conditions
• not poisonous or spiky

ENERGEX Planting Guide : For more information on safetrees and planting tips, click on the image to download the revised ENERGEX Planting Guide or use the tree selection option below to find safetree species, including natives, exotics and fruit trees, suitable to your area.

Regional climate guide and your key to choosing the right tree: When selecting your plant, consider its rainfall requirements and the temperature variation in your area. The map above will help you work out which plants best suit your local climate.

If you have a large property and you are considering revegetation under a powerline corridor using naturally occurring plant species, it is important to seek advice from the Department of Natural Resources,Mines and Water, your local Council and/or Greening Australia.

Fire retardant plants: For information on fire retardant plants, contact the Department of Natural Resources.

Invasive tree roots: ENERGEX safetree plants are generally safe to use near underground electricity cables and gas pipes. However, ENERGEX recommends that on a normal household block, it is advisable to plant away from all underground services. Before planting near sewerage or water pipes, it is advisable to contact your local Council for more information on, and to obtain a list of plants which have invasive root systems.

A guide to 'powerline friendly' planting within your property.

Trees and palms that interfere with powerlines are a safety risk and can interrupt your electricity supply. ENERGEX's safetree program identifies unsafe trees and palms and prunes or removes them, as required. However, you can help avoid the future need for pruning or removal of plants near powerlines by planting 'powerline friendly' plants, or planting away from powerlines. 'Powerline friendly' plants are those that, when mature, will not grow to within 2 metres of powerlines.*

Consult our Planting Tips for advice on where and how to plant any new additions to your garden.

TIP: Before planting, always ask yourself: 'How high will the plant grow'? 'What is the estimated distance between the ground and the powerline'? If, when fully grown, there will be less than a two metre clearance between the tree and the powerlines, plant it well away from powerlines.

*Note: This refers specifically to planting near low voltage to 33,000 volt powerlines. If planting near sub-transmission powerlines (i.e. 110,000 volt powerlines suspended on concrete or wood poles or steel towers) plants or trees must not grow higher than 4 metres.