Trees and hedges that are touching power lines mean that the ground around the trunk is electrified and dangerous; that is why livestock are sometimes electrocuted when sheltering under a tree in a storm. This is because timber is a good conductor of electricity when wet.

Trees and hedges can go on fire as a result of touching power lines. Trees falling on to power lines can break poles and bring live wires on to the ground, putting people at serious risk of electrocution as electricity wires are always live even when broken. Up to 10,000 volts travel through an ESB network cable.

ESB Networks timber-cutting programme

ESB Networks carries out a national timber cutting programme to keep farmers and countryside users safe.

As part of its commitment to public safety, ESB Networks operates a cyclical work programme where it cuts trees or hedges that are growing in the vicinity of power lines to a specified clearance; the clearance distance and frequency of cutting is dependent on the voltage of the network. ESB Networks also responds to calls from members of the public as well as dealing with any hazards discovered as part of the company’s yearly public safety patrols. ESB Networks will always try to carry out the work as aesthetically as possible and will work with landowners to obtain the best possible solution for all concerned.

The cutting of timber near a live power line must never be carried out by any member of the public or any contractor employed by a member of the public. If a member of the public finds a tree or hedge growing in the vicinity of a power line, they should contact ESB Networks on 1850 372 999 and the company will arrange for it to be cut back to a safe distance.

Dangers of hedge-cutting

Unfortunately, there are too many incidents where hedge-cutting by farmers and their contractors has caused very serious incidents.

Some of the most common dangers when working on hedges are:

  • Hedge cutter cutting into electricity stays and bringing down poles and wires.
  • Trees or hedges coming down on an overhead wire when being cut.
  • Hedge cutter damaging electricity poles.

    • What to watch out for

  • Never underestimate the distances involved in order to keep safe.
  • Check the maximum working height of the boom and saw before you use a hedge cutter.
  • Check that the limiters are working and are set to the right height.
  • Use alternative manual methods to expose concealed poles and stays; eg Bowsaw, silky saw and pruner.
  • Check for level ground so that the machine is stable and keep a safe distance from the edges of drains.
  • Where you cannot see the pole or stay, cut manually.

    • When to contact ESB Networks

  • If you see the tree branches scorched or you observe sparking.
  • If you see branches overhanging the line or growing above.
  • If you find trees in poor condition, rotten or off-balance near overhead wires.
  • Where there is any risk, contact ESB Networks who will advise on the safest way to proceed. Remember never to lift fallen wires and always ask yourself: are you sure it is safe?

    • Ten-point plan for safe hedge-cutting

    1. Look out for any damage on the machine that may become unattached in operation.

    2. The circular saw is by far the most dangerous attachment; keep onlookers away from its operation.

    3. Place guards around the tractor cab to protect from flying debris from the hedge.

    4. Keep windows clean to maximise visibility.

    5. Use appropriate signage and warning lamps when working on the road.

    6. Take a minute to look at the ground conditions and the field slope before starting work.

    7. Have the ESB emergency number in the tractor.

    8. Look out for overhead wires in dense foliage and high ditches.

    9. Match the hedge cutter size and tractor size.

    10. If unsure, stop and don’t ask questions later.