Tree Owner's Responsibilities

Tree Owner Responsibilities

If a tree owner is required to have a tree cut or trimmed, the following applies:

1. The tree trimming or removal work must only be undertaken by a competent worker/contractor.
2. Your chosen contractor must be compliant with the relevant Codes of Practice, Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations 2003 and have adequate public liability insurance.
3. Your contractor will need approval from Westpower’s Network Control Centre prior to starting work before operating any machinery within four metres of any power lines.
4. The tree owner must advise Westpower of the time and location of the proposed cutting or trimming work at least 3 working days prior to the tree(s) being trimmed or removed.

If a tree owner denies Westpower access to their property for tree cutting or trimming, the owner becomes responsible for the upkeep of the tree(s), including the expense of the initial cutting or trimming. Additionally, the tree owner will be held liable to Westpower for any costs incurred in repairing damage to the conductor if the tree owner does not adhere to the regulations.

If the trees have been previously cut at Westpower’s cost, and you receive a further 'Cut/Trim Notice' for your trees, you have 45 working days to organise a competent and suitably qualified contractor to complete the necessary work. This time frame may be shortened if a Hazard Warning Notice has already been issued for the same tree(s).

You are committing an offence if:

1. After receiving a Cut/Trim Notice you fail (without reasonable excuse) to complete the trimming within the time frame or,
2. If you fail (without reasonable excuse) to advise Westpower of the time and location of the cutting or trimming of the tree(s) at least three working days in advance,

you may be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 plus $500 for every day during which the offence has continued.