Landowner responsibilities

Landowner Responsibilities

In June 2026, the Government updated the Regulations to protect the security of the supply of electricity and the safety of the public. You can view the Amendment Regulations here.

The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 guides the tree owner’s responsibility. Owners are liable for the damage to the electricity network if their trees damage any lines or equipment. The word “trees” includes all types of vegetation, including shrubs, hedges and climbing vines.

As a tree owner (responsible for trees on your property), you are responsible for ensuring your trees are a safe distance from power lines and not at risk of causing a power outage or fire.

This does not mean you need to trim the trees yourself. If your tree is within 4 metres of a power line, you must engage a qualified and approved utility arborist to trim your trees. The Electrical Code of Practice (ECP) 34:2001 sets the requirement for a Close Approach Consent to be obtained from EA Networks for a non-electrically qualified person and/or mobile plant to work within four metres of a power line.

You or your chosen arborist can apply for a close approach consent via our online form or download a Close Approach Consent Application Form.

Please be safe when working near power lines. For more information about working with qualified tree professionals, please contact us on 0800 430 460.