|
safetree
Trees are assessed taking in to account the distance between the branches and the powerlines and future growth of the tree.
Branches are pruned in a manner that will encourage new growth away from powerlines to try and avoid future problems. However, to achieve this, ENERGEX must remove the branches at their collar, which is, in most cases, several metres away from the powerlines.
This method of pruning is more effective than "lopping" the branch or trunk (diagram 3). In fact, "lopping" places a lot of demand on the trees' stored food reserves, encourages decay of the large cut stubs and encourages rapid and weak regrowth that is more likely to break off in the wind.
Lopping does not involve removing branches back to collars, causing 'epicormic' regrowth, which is weak in structure and poses a safety hazard.
what could my tree look like after it has been pruned?
Diagrams 4, 5 and 6 provide an indication of the shape of correctly trimmed trees. The techniques in diagram 4 and 5 should help establish a lower canopy within the tree and encourage growth away from powerlines.
 |
 |
 |
This method of pruning does minimal harm to the tree and does not reduce its normal habit of upright growing. Some trees may seem unnatural in shape after the trimming, however, this procedure minimises the amount of canopy that has to be removed in the future.
ENERGEX Vegetation Code of Practice
ENERGEX's vegetation code of practice outlines our responsibilities and our approach for maintaining vegetation in proximity to powerlines. To view this document, please follow the link below.
Note: This information refers specifically to planting near powerlines energised at up to and including 33,000 volts. If planting near sub-transmission powerlines (i.e., 110,000 volt and above powerlines suspended on concrete or wood poles or steel towers or on roadways and easements) plants or trees must not grow greater than 4 m in height when mature.