Why Trees Near Powerlines Should Always Be Handled by Professionals

Written by Richard Marshall on September 19, 2026.

Trees and powerlines are a dangerous combination, and they should never be treated as a DIY job.

If you have branches growing close to powerlines, it can be tempting to grab a ladder, saw, or pole pruner and try to cut them back yourself. But this is one of the most dangerous tree jobs a homeowner can attempt. Even if a branch is not touching the line, it may still be close enough to create a serious electrical hazard.

At Harvey Tree Care, we help homeowners and property owners across Harvey, Yarloop, Benger, Brunswick, Waroona, Burekup and surrounding areas manage trees safely around homes, sheds, fences and service areas. When trees are near powerlines, professional advice is essential.

Here’s why branches near powerlines should always be handled by trained professionals.

Powerlines Can Be Dangerous Even Without Direct Contact

Many people assume a branch has to touch a powerline before it becomes dangerous. Unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Electricity can arc or travel through nearby objects under certain conditions. Wet branches, damp ladders, metal tools, and even the ground around a fallen line can all create serious risk.

The danger increases when:

Branches are wet after rain
The tree is swaying in wind
Tools or ladders are used near lines
A branch has already fallen onto a line
The tree is unstable or storm damaged
The person working does not understand safe clearance distances

This is why tree pruning near powerlines should never be treated like normal garden maintenance.

DIY Cutting Can Put You at Risk

Trying to cut branches near powerlines can lead to electrocution, falls, property damage or fires. Even experienced homeowners should not attempt this work without the right training and safety procedures.

Common DIY risks include:

A cut branch falling onto live wires
A ladder shifting near powerlines
A tool touching or getting too close to a line
Branches springing back unexpectedly
The tree moving during cutting
Losing control of heavy limbs

Once a branch is cut, it can move in ways that are hard to predict. If it swings, drops or rolls into a powerline, the situation can become dangerous very quickly.

Trees Near Powerlines Need Careful Assessment

Before any pruning or removal work begins, the tree needs to be assessed properly. This includes looking at the tree’s structure, branch weight, condition and location in relation to the powerlines.

Skilled arborists consider:

How close the branches are to the lines
Whether the tree is healthy or unstable
Which branches are creating risk
Whether pruning is enough
Whether full tree removal is safer
How branches can be controlled during cutting
Whether the electricity network operator needs to be contacted

This type of planning helps reduce risk and ensures the work is carried out safely.

Pruning Near Powerlines Is Not the Same as Normal Pruning

Standard tree pruning services focus on shaping, health, safety and clearance around buildings. Powerline pruning adds another layer of risk.

When trees are near electrical infrastructure, pruning must be done with extra care. The aim is to create safe clearance without damaging the tree or leaving it unstable.

Poor pruning can lead to:

Weak regrowth near the powerline
Unbalanced canopy weight
Branches growing back quickly
Greater storm risk later
Long-term tree stress

This is why rough tree lopping is not the answer. Cutting branches back hard without understanding the tree’s structure can create even more problems in the future.

When Tree Removal May Be Safer

In some cases, pruning is enough to manage the risk. In others, the tree may be too close, too unstable or too fast-growing to safely maintain over time.

Tree removal may be recommended when:

The tree is growing directly under powerlines
Large limbs are repeatedly entering the clearance zone
The tree is leaning towards the lines
The trunk or main branches are damaged
The tree is dead, diseased or unstable
Regular pruning would only be a short-term fix
Storms could push the tree into the lines

A professional tree removal service can assess whether removal is the safest long-term option.

Storms Make Powerline Risks Worse

Strong winds and heavy rain can quickly turn overhanging branches into hazards. A tree that seems manageable in calm weather may become dangerous during a storm.

Branches can snap and fall onto lines, trees can lean further, and wet conditions can increase electrical risk.

Before storm season, it is worth checking for:

Branches growing close to service lines
Deadwood above powerlines
Leaning trees near wires
Trees with heavy canopies facing the line
Cracked or split branches
Previous limb failures

Early pruning or removal can prevent emergency call-outs and help protect your property.

What to Do If a Tree Falls on Powerlines

If a tree or branch falls onto powerlines, do not go near it. Do not try to move the branch, cut the tree, or clear the area yourself.

You should:

Stay well away from the tree and wires
Keep children, pets and neighbours clear
Avoid touching fences, gates or wet ground nearby
Contact emergency services if there is immediate danger
Contact the relevant electricity network operator
Arrange professional tree removal once the area is safe

Even if the line looks harmless, always treat it as live.

Why Arborists Matter

Arborists understand tree structure, pruning methods, safety planning and risk assessment. This is especially important near powerlines, where one poor cut can create serious danger.

Arborists can help by:

Identifying hazardous branches
Recommending pruning or removal
Reducing canopy weight safely
Managing trees near homes and service areas
Coordinating work where powerline safety is involved
Leaving the site clean and safe

At Harvey Tree Care, we take a careful, practical approach to every job. If a tree is too close to powerlines, we will explain the risks and guide you towards the safest next step.

Can Trees Be Kept Near Powerlines?

Sometimes, yes. If the tree is healthy and can be safely maintained, pruning may be enough. However, the tree species, growth rate and position all matter.

Trees that grow quickly or develop large spreading branches may be difficult to manage near powerlines. In these cases, removal and replacement with a more suitable species may be better long-term.

Good tree management is not just about fixing the problem today. It is about preventing the same issue from coming back year after year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I trim branches near powerlines myself?
No. Branches near powerlines should always be handled by trained professionals or the relevant electricity network operator.

What if the branch is not touching the powerline yet?
It can still be dangerous. Branches can move in wind, and tools or ladders may create additional risk.

Is tree lopping safe near powerlines?
Rough tree lopping is not recommended. Proper pruning or removal should be planned by experienced arborists.

Who should I call if a tree is touching powerlines?
Stay away from the area and contact the relevant electricity network operator or emergency services if there is immediate danger.

Keep Your Property Safe Around Powerlines

Trees near powerlines are not worth the risk. Whether you need pruning, safety advice or a professional tree removal service, it is important to get the right help before the situation becomes dangerous.

Harvey Tree Care provides professional tree pruning services, tree removal, tree lopping alternatives and arborist advice across Harvey, Yarloop, Benger, Brunswick, Waroona, Burekup and surrounding WA areas.

Contact Harvey Tree Care today for a free quote and expert advice on managing trees safely around your property.