Trees that grow too close to power lines can cause serious problems. They can cause electric shock, fires, power outages and damage to electricity infrastructure.
Keeping vegetation safely clear of power lines helps protect people and electricity infrastructure, and helps keep the lights on for you and your community.
The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations set out the rules that tree owners and lines companies must follow when managing trees near power lines. These regulations are part of New Zealand law.
This page explains the main rules, including what tree owners need to know. If you're unsure about a tree near a power line, contact us before doing any work.
Never touch a power line and never touch a tree or branch that is touching a power line.
If you come across downed lines, never approach or attempt to clear them yourself. Stay at least 10m away and call 111.
You should also contact us immediately if:
A tree or branch has fallen onto a power line.
A tree looks like it could fall onto a power line soon.
A power line is down, damaged or hanging low.
Branches are touching lines.
Someone is at risk of coming into contact with the line.
Who is responsible for a tree near a power line?
In most cases, the owner of the land where a tree is growing is responsible for keeping it safely clear of power lines.
We have responsibilities too. These include:
Carrying out line and vegetation surveys.
Providing information about the rules.
Issuing hazard warning notices and cut or trim notices where the regulations allow or require.
Responding to electricity hazards.
In some cases, meeting the cost of certain work required under the regulations.
How the rules apply
The regulations use several zones around power lines. These zones help determine when trees must be trimmed, when notices can be issued and what restrictions apply.
Trees growing too close to a power line
The regulations use three zones around a power line. These help explain when vegetation is getting too close and when it needs to be cut back.
Growth limit zone: Space immediately around a power line that must be kept clear of vegetation. The growth limit zone is not the same for every power line. Its size depends on the line's voltage and, in some cases, the distance between poles.
Cut-back zone:This extends 1m out from the growth limit zone. If a tree is growing into the growth limit zone, it needs to be trimmed far enough to reach the cut-back zone unless a dispensation applies.
Hazard warning notice:This extends 2m out from the growth limit zone. If vegetation enters this zone, we may issue a hazard warning notice to alert the tree owner.
If a tree qualifies for its first cut or trim under the regulations, we will pay for that work. After that, keeping the tree clear of the power line - and paying for any trimming that's needed - is the tree owner's responsibility.
Different rules can apply in some circumstances, so check with us if you're unsure.
Trees that could fall into a power line
The treefall hazard zone extends 24m from the growth limit zone.
EA Networks may assess trees within this zone. This does not mean every tree is considered a hazard. Rather, a tree may be assessed if there are concerns that its condition, size or location could cause it to fall into a power line.
A formal treefall hazard notice can only be issued if the tree is assessed as a moderate or high hazard.
Treefall hazard notices will not be issued before 23 July 2028. Before then, we may use voluntary processes to discuss hazardous trees with tree owners. These voluntary processes are separate from the formal treefall hazard notice power in the regulations.
Planting a new tree near a power line
On 23 July 2027, alow-height planting rule comes into effect. This means you must not plant a tree if you reasonably expect it could grow taller than the distance from the power line.
The low-height planting zone extends 24m horizontally from the power line.
If you plant a tree in breach of this rule:
You may be liable for damages.
You may be responsible for the cost if the tree later needs to be cut, trimmed or removed.
You cannot use a 'no-interest' tree notice to transfer responsibility for managing the tree to the lines company.
The planting restriction does not apply to trees that grow naturally. However, if a self-sown tree within the low-height planting zone later needs to be cut, trimmed or removed, the tree owner may be responsible for the cost.
There are some exceptions. The low-height planting zone does not apply:
On existing forest land.
In urban areas.
To shelterbelts.
On land administered under the Conservation Act 1987.
Not sure whether your property is in an urban area? Check the Ashburton District Plan or contact the Ashburton District Council.
Vegetation growing above the line: 'Clear to the sky'
For some power lines, the growth limit zone extends both around the lines and vertically above them. This is known as 'clear to the sky' and means vegetation must also be kept clear above the line.
Clear to the sky already applies to higher-voltage lines in both urban and non-urban areas. From 17 October 2026, it also applies to lines at 11kV or below outside urban areas.
What happens if a tree grows too close to a line?
If a tree is too close to a power line, we may contact the tree owner. Depending on the situation, this may include:
Providing information or advice.
Issuing a hazard warning notice.
Requiring the tree to be cut back.
Taking further action allowed under the regulations.
The exact process depends on the type of risk and which rules apply. If you receive a notice, please read it carefully and take any required action within the specified timeframe.
Tree notices and what they mean
Notice/process
When it may be used
What it means
What the tree owner may need to do
Who pays
Hazard warning notice
Vegetation has entered the hazard warning notice zone.
This warning means the tree is getting too close to the power lines.
Monitor the situation and act before the tree reaches the growth limit zone.
N/A.
Cut or trim notice
Vegetation has entered the growth limit zone.
The tree must be trimmed as specified in the notice.
Arrange for the tree to be cut safely and notify us as required.
If the tree qualifies for its first cut or trim under the regulations, we will pay for that work. After the initial trim, the tree owner is generally responsible for keeping the tree clear of power lines. See section below titled 'offences and penalties'.
Treefall hazard notice (from 23 July 2028)
After written advice from a qualified and experienced arborist about the likelihood of the tree falling, a tree in the treefall hazard area has been assessed as a moderate or high hazard.
The tree must be removed within the timeframe set by the regulations.
Work with us on safe removal as per the notice. A moderate hazard tree must be removed within 45 working days. A high-hazard tree must be removed within 25 working days.
In most cases, we will meet the reasonable cost of removing the tree and associated debris. However, there are exceptions. For example, if a tree was planted unlawfully in the low height planting zone, the tree owner may be responsible for the cost.
No-interest tree choice
In some situations, a property owner or occupier may advise that they have no interest in the tree. If you receive a cut or trim notice, or, from 23 July 2028, a treefall hazard notice, you will generally have 10 working days to submit a no-interest notice.
This may affect who carries out the work and who manages the tree.
Follow the process and timeframes in the regulations and any local guidance.
N/A.
What if I disagree with a notice or assessment?
Different review or dispute options may be available depending on the type of notice or issue.
For some matters under the regulations, disputes may be referred to the Tree Arbitrator. The WorkSafe website lists the current Tree Arbitrator and further information.
Depending on the issue, you may also be able to raise your complaint with Utilities Disputes.
If you disagree with a notice you receive, contact us as soon as possible so we can explain the next steps.
Offences and penalties
Tree owners can be fined if they do not meet certain requirements under the regulations.
Cut or trim notices
A tree owner might commit an offence if, without reasonable excuse, they:
Do not have a tree cut or trimmed as required by a cut or trim notice.
Do not tell us the time and location of the work at least three working days before it takes place.
If convicted, the tree owner may be fined up to $10,000. If the offence continues, a further fine of up to $500 every day or part of a day may apply.
Treefall hazard notices - from 23 July 2028
From 23 July 2028, a tree owner may commit an offence if, without reasonable excuse, they:
Do not have a tree removed within the timeframe required by a treefall hazard notice.
Do not tell us the time and location of the removal, as required.
If convicted, the tree owner may be fined up to $10,000.
Low height planting zone
Not complying with the low height planting zone is not itself an offence. However, it may affect who is responsible for the cost of future tree trimming and removal, and the options available to the tree owner under the regulations.
Can I trim or remove a tree myself?
If you, the tree or any tools or equipment could come within 4m of a power line, do not attempt the work yourself. Contact us first.
Cutting or removing trees near live power lines is dangerous. It can cause serious injury, electric shock, fire, power outages and damage to property or electricity infrastructure.
If work is being carried out near power lines, a qualified contractor may be required, or the power may need to be switched off before work begins.
If you're unsure, contact us before doing any work.
We periodically prune vegetation within the notice zone to help maintain safety and reduce the risk of power outages. However, tree owners remain responsible for keeping their trees outside the growth limit zone.
For fast-growing species, our pruning may not be enough to prevent regrowth into this area.
Our goal is safe tree management and keeping the lights on for our community. Have questions about the trees on your property? Call us on 0800 430 460 or email trees@eanetworks.co.nz. Our team is happy to help.
Can a lines company enter my property?
In some circumstances, the regulations allow us to enter land to inspect trees or carry out work.
If access is needed, we will follow the relevant legal requirements and local process. In some situations related to treefall hazard removal, we may also ask for the tree owner's consent to enter the property and remove the tree.
Contact us
Need advice about trees near power lines? We're happy to help.
What should I do if a branch is touching a power line?
Stay well clear. Do not touch the tree, branch, power line or anything in contact with them.
Call 111 if there is immediate danger, then contact us on 0800 430 460. Always treat power lines as live.
Can I trim or remove a tree near a power line myself?
Do not attempt the work yourself if you, the tree, or any tools or equipment could come within 4m of a power line. Contact us first.
Who is responsible for trees near power lines?
In most cases, tree owners are responsible for ensuring their trees comply with the regulations. We also have responsibilities under the regulations, including monitoring vegetation risks, issuing notices, responding to electrical hazards and, in some circumstances, paying for the required work.
How do I know whether a tree is too close to a power line?
The required distances depend on the voltage and span of the power line, so they can be difficult to estimate.
Do not try and measure around a live line. Contact us if you are concerned about a tree or are planning work near a line.
What is the difference between a hazard warning notice and a cut or trim notice?
A hazard warning notice alerts a tree owner that vegetation has entered the hazard warning notice zone and may continue growing toward the growth limit zone. A cut or trim notice is issued when a tree enters the growth limit zone and requires the tree owner to arrange for it to be cut back.
Each notice will explain what it relates to and what the owner needs to do.
What should I do if I receive a cut or trim notice?
Read the notice carefully and contact us promptly if anything is unclear. The notice will explain what work is required, when it must be completed and the options available to you.
You must let us know the time and location of the work at least three working days before it is carried out. Do not arrange work that cannot be carried out safely.
Who pays for cutting and trimming a tree?
It depends on the circumstances. If a tree qualifies for its first cut or trim under the regulations, we generally meet the reasonable cost.
In most cases, tree owners are responsible for the ongoing maintenance of their trees. However, different rules may apply in certain circumstances, such as where there is an agreement in place, a no-interest notice has been issued, access has been refused, or a tree has been unlawfully planted or allowed to establish in the low-height planting zone.
Contact us about your situation.
What is the treefall hazard zone?
The treefall hazard zone extends 24m beyond the growth limit zone. Trees within this area may be assessed if there are concerns that they could fall and strike a power line.
Being inside the zone does not automatically mean a tree is hazardous or must be removed.
Who decides whether a tree is a treefall hazard?
EA Networks carries out the assessment using the factors set out in the regulations. We must take written advice from a suitably qualified and experienced arborist about the likelihood of the tree falling.
We may also seek forestry advice where appropriate.
What is a treefall hazard notice and can one be issued now?
A treefall hazard notice is a formal notice requiring the removal of a tree assessed as a moderate or high hazard to a power line.
Before 23 July 2028, formal treefall hazard notices cannot be issued. Until that date, we may ask a landowner to voluntarily remove a hazardous tree, but this request is not a formal notice.
What happens if I receive a treefall hazard notice?
The notice will explain the assessment and the action required.
A tree assessed as a high hazard must generally be removed within 25 working days. A tree assessed as a moderate hazard must generally be removed within 45 working days.
The tree owner must also tell us when and where the removal will take place, as required by the notice.
Who pays when a treefall hazard notice is issued?
We will generally meet the reasonable cost of removing the tree and associated debris.
Exceptions apply. For example, the tree owner may be responsible if the tree was planted in breach of the low-height planting rules.
We may also no longer be required to meet the cost if the tree owner refuses consent for us to enter the property and remove the tree.
What is the low-height planting zone?
The low-height planting zone is an area that extends 24m horizontally from a power line on unforested land outside urban areas.
From 23 July 2027, you must not plant a tree in the low-height planting zone if you have reasonable grounds to believe it will grow taller than its distance from the power line when fully mature. The rule does not apply to existing forest land, urban areas, shelterbelts or land administered under the Conservation Act 1987.
Does the low-height planting zone apply to trees that are already there?
The planting restriction does not apply to trees that were established before 23 July 2027 or to naturally occurring trees. However, these trees can still be covered by other rules about vegetation near power lines.
Different rules about who pays for trimming or removal can also apply to self-sown trees within the low-height planting zone.
How do I know whether my property is in an urban or non-urban area?
The regulations use the zoning in the relevant district plan or proposed district plan. The definition may not match the way an area is described in everyday language.
If you're unsure whether your property is in an urban area, check the Ashburton District Plan or contact the Ashburton District Council.
What counts as a shelterbelt?
A shelterbelt is one or more rows of trees planted to protect farming or horticultural land - including animals or crops - from the weather.
A row of trees along a boundary is not necessarily a shelterbelt. What matters is the trees' purpose.
What does 'clear to the sky' mean?
For some power lines, the growth limit zone extends vertically above and around the line. This prevents vegetation from forming a tunnel over the line.
From 17 October 2026, these requirements will also apply to power lines operating at 11kV or below in non-urban areas.
Can EA Networks enter my property?
The regulations allow us to enter land in some circumstances to inspect trees or carry out work. We must follow the relevant notice and access requirements.
When a tree needs to be removed under the treefall hazard framework, we may ask the tree owner for permission to enter the property and carry out the work.
What can I do if I disagree with a notice or assessment?
If you have concerns about a notice or would like to dispute it, please contact us as soon as possible. The available options will depend on the type of notice or dispute, and some have short deadlines.
Depending on the circumstances, the matter may be referred to the Tree Arbitrator or considered by Utilities Disputes Ltd.
What is a no-interest tree notice?
In some circumstances, a tree owner can formally advise us that they have no interest in a tree. This is known as a no-interest tree notice.
If a no-interest tree notice is accepted, we may choose to manage the tree, subject to the rules relating to property access and responsibility for costs.
If you have received a cut or trim notice, or from 23 July 2028 a treefall hazard notice, you generally must provide the no-interest tree notice within 10 working days. This option is not available for trees that have been planted in breach of the low-height planting zone rules.
What is a dispensation?
A dispensation may allow a tree to remain closer to a power line than the normal cut-back zone, subject to conditions. It does not allow the tree to grow into the growth limit zone beyond the distance specified in the dispensation.
If you have received a cut or trim notice, applications must be made within five working days of receiving the notice. Dispensations are not available in some low height planting zone situations.
What if the tree is protected or has heritage value?
Contact EA Networks and the Ashburton District Council before arranging work. Additional requirements or permissions may apply but the tree must still be managed safely.
Do not trim or remove a protected tree near a power line without first checking the correct process.
What happens if I do not comply with a notice?
Failing to comply with certain requirements without reasonable excuse can be an offence.
A tree owner may be fined up to $10,000. If you do not comply with a cut or trim notice, you may face an additional fine of up to $500 for every day, or part of a day, that the non-compliance continues.
The treefall hazard notice offences apply from 23 July 2028 and carry a fine of up to $10,000.
:format(webp))
:quality(99))
:quality(99))
:quality(99))
:quality(99))
:format(webp))