Responsibilities around tree trimming and planting
A shared responsibility
SA Power Networks, local councils, property owners and the wider community all have a shared responsibility to ensure that trees and vegetation are safe around powerlines.
State legislation sets out the specific requirements for property owners/occupiers and SA Power Networks.
Expand each section below to learn more about responsibilities around powerlines.
SA Power Networks' responsibility
SA Power Networks is responsible for maintaining the clearance zone around all public powerlines including trees hanging onto the road reserve from private property.
On private land, we are responsible for keeping naturally occurring vegetation away from powerlines.
Where a powerline crosses private land and supplies electricity to more than one property, it is deemed to be a public supply line and vegetation clearance is our responsibility.
In some circumstances a local council may agree to take over responsibility for tree trimming.
Councils' responsibility
Councils are responsible for ensuring that any trees planted near powerlines meet current regulations, helping to minimise future risks and maintain safe clearance zones.
They also work closely with SA Power Networks to coordinate vegetation management activities and ensure public safety, balancing these responsibilities with the preservation of urban greenery.
Privately-owned poles and powerlines
As a property owner, you are responsible for managing the poles, powerlines and other electrical assets that are beyond the connection point that brings electricity to your property.
It is important that these assets are safely maintained with regular inspections undertaken by qualified professionals in order to keep your family, property and the community safe.
To find out more, see our bushfire safety guide for privately owned poles and powerlines.
Selecting appropriate trees - Right tree right place
There are restrictions applied to the planting of trees under or near powerlines.
For guidance on planting under powerlines please refer to the Office of the Technical Regulator List of Approved and Permitted Trees.
If councils want to plant trees not on the approved list, they can seek an exemption from the Office of the Technical Regulator.