Tree planters asked to think ahead

Kerikeri, 19 October 2015

Gardeners, landscapers and farmers could help reduce “significantly” the amount of money Top Energy has to spend on pruning and trimming trees to help prevent powercuts across the Far North, the company says.

It spends millions of dollars a year keeping vegetation from growing into or over powerlines, some of which could be prevented if trees were planted with overhead cables in mind.

As the planting season kicks in, Top Energy is running a publicity campaign asking people to be careful about what they plant and where.

Property owners are generally legally liable for the costs involved in cutting or trimming vegetation threatening the lines network. They may be eligible for an initial cut or trim without charge from Top Energy, but further work will be to their account.

“It’s really easy to overlook the lines above your head when you’re planting a eucalypt sapling or a small stand of juvenile bamboo. But it won’t be long before those plants are causing real problems for the network,” said Top Energy operations manager Tony Smallman.

“Unfortunately, quite often people don’t get to fully enjoy the trees they plant, or see them grow to maturity, because the trees have been planted beneath, or close to, powerlines and have to be topped or cut down.”

Unplanned planting can also be a safety issue, particularly where staff in orchards, in forests and on farms might have to work unnecessarily close to powerlines when the trees mature.

Top Energy’s guidance is that any tree should be planted a distance from powerlines of at least twice the tree’s expected mature growth height.

Where trees are threatening to encroach on powerlines, property owners are advised to Contact Top Energy for assistance and information.

ENDS

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