Working near power lines can be dangerous. Trees, branches and equipment can come into contact with live lines, fall onto the network or create a path for electricity to arc, even without direct contact with the lines.
The Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 set out requirements for managing trees and vegetation near power lines. If you are planning to trim or remove a tree, make sure you understand the safety requirements before you start any work.
Keep at least 4 metres away
If you, the tree, or any tools or equipment could come within 4 metres of a power line, do not attempt the work yourself. Contact us before carrying out any work, as it may require a qualified contractor or the line to be isolated.
Never attempt to move, cut or clear a tree that is touching a power line.
Need advice before starting work?
Call Alpine Energy 0800 66 11 77
How close can trees be to power lines?
The Regulations set Growth Limit Zones around power lines. The size of the Growth Limit Zone depends on the voltage and span of the line.
Overhead line voltage
Growth Limit Zone
Cut-back Zone
Hazard Warning Notice Zone
Powerlines (400V)
0.5m
1.5m
2.5m
11kV
1.6m
2.6m
3.6m
33kV*
2.5m
3.5m
4.5m
* Clear-to-the-sky requirements apply.
The Growth Limit Zone is the area immediately around the power line where vegetation must not grow.
The Cut-back Zone extends 1 metre beyond the Growth Limit Zone. If vegetation enters this zone, it generally needs to be cut back to the Cut-back Zone unless a dispensation applies.
The Hazard Warning Notice Zone extends 2 metres beyond the Growth Limit Zone. Vegetation entering this zone may result in a Hazard Warning Notice.
Do not try to measure distances around a live power line yourself. If you are unsure whether a tree is too close, contact us.
Clear to the sky
For some power lines, the Growth Limit Zone extends vertically above the line as well as around it. This prevents vegetation from growing over the top of a power line and forming a tunnel around it. Clear-to-the-sky requirements already apply to higher-voltage lines. From 17 October 2026, they will also apply to non-urban power lines at 11kV or below.
If you are unsure whether clear-to-the-sky requirements apply to a particular line, contact Alpine Energy before doing any work.
Use a suitable contractor
If tree work needs to be carried out within 4 metres of the network, you will need to use an Alpine Energy network-approved contractor with the appropriate skills and experience to carry out the work safely.
We regularly survey the network for trees and vegetation that could pose a risk. If your tree has entered the Growth Limit Zone, you may receive a Cut or Trim Notice setting out what needs to be done and by when.
Read the notice carefully and contact us if anything is unclear.
If you arrange the work, you must tell us the time and location of the work at least three working days before it takes place.
Who pays for tree trimming?
Responsibility for costs depends on the circumstances and the type of work required.
Alpine Energy may meet the reasonable cost of certain initial work, while ongoing maintenance is generally the tree owner's responsibility. Different arrangements can apply, including where a tree has been planted in breach of the Low Height Planting Zone requirements.
If a tree is an immediate danger
If a tree has fallen onto a power line, is touching a line, or poses an immediate danger:
Stay well clear and do not touch the tree or power line.
Stay at least 10 metres away from fallen lines.
Call 111 if there is an immediate danger to people.
Contact Alpine Energy on 0800 66 11 77.
Treat all power lines as live.
Before you trim or remove a tree
Before starting work:
Identify where the power lines are.
Check how close the tree and equipment could come to the lines.
Keep yourself, the tree, tools and equipment at least 4 metres away unless the work is being carried out under the appropriate arrangements.
Check whether you have received a notice from Alpine Energy.
Use an approved contractor where required.
Contact us if you're unsure or have any questions.
Frequently asked questions
If you, the tree, or any tools or equipment could come within 4 metres of a power line, do not attempt the work yourself. Contact us fi rst. Cutting or removing trees near live power lines is dangerous and may require a qualifi ed contractor or the line to be isolated.
For applicable power lines, the Growth Limit Zone extends vertically above the line as well as around it. This prevents vegetation from growing over the top of the line. From 17 October 2026, clear-to-the-sky requirements will also apply to non-urban lines at 11kV or below.
Contact us and your local council before arranging any 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.
