The program will commence next week and it will strike a balance between preserving the city’s trees and ensuring power safety and reliability for the community, Essential Energy regional manager Northern, Mark Summers said.

“A safe and reliable electricity network is a priority for Essential Energy and the management of vegetation in and around powerlines plays a crucial role in safeguarding power supplies,” he said.

Mr Summer said while committed to protecting the local environment and the safety of the community, trees and overhead powerlines could be a dangerous combination.

“Trees coming into contact with overhead powerlines pose serious hazards to people, wildlife and the surrounding environment, with potential for bushfires, damage to property, injury and unplanned power outages,” he said.

“Our comprehensive vegetation management program ensures minimum safety clearances are maintained between trees and overhead powerlines and helps to minimise the trimming required in the future, while also securing a more reliable power supply.”

Contractors will use directional pruning techniques that remove branches growing towards a powerline and encourage re-growth away from the power network.

While this can affect visual amenity, Essential Energy said these techniques are considered best practice throughout the arboriculture industry and are used by most power companies in Australia.

Mr Summers said residents can download Essential Energy’s Tree Planting Guide for helpful tips on appropriate species for planting near powerlines or contact 13 23 91 for more information.