Planter - watch that tree

BETTER SAFE... A Top Energy crew at work trimming a potentially damaging tree. PICTURE/SUPPLIED

For Top Energy it's not so much a case of Woodman spare that tree, as Planter, take care where you put it.

If more gardeners, landscapers and farmers did that they could help make a significant reduction in the amount of money the lines company had to spend on pruning and trimming trees to help prevent powercuts across the Far North, according to operations manager Tony Smallman.

The company spent millions of dollars every year keeping vegetation from growing into or over powerlines, he said, some of which could be prevented if trees were planted with overhead cables in mind.

Now, as another the planting season kicks in, Top Energy has launched 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 that threatens 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," Mr Smallman added.

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

Unplanned planting could 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 matured.

Top Energy's guideline 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.

Further information on keeping lines clear of trees, and property owners' responsibilities, can be found at www.topenergy.co.nz