Tree cutting assessment

Apply for a tree cutting assessment today 

• If the trees or vegetation that require cutting are within 6 meters of electricity wires or electrical equipment, you can apply online for a free tree cutting assessment through your ESB Networks online account. 
• Once you have completed your application, we will arrange for a tree cutting crew to assess the location within 4-6 weeks. 
• The assessment will determine whether the timber will need to be cut by you, the customer, or by ESB Networks.
• In the case where it's you, the customer's responsibility to carry out the tree cutting, then ESB Networks will work with your contractor to ensure it is completed safely. This may involve a planned outage which is free of charge if adequate notice is given, and the work is carried out between 9.00-16.30, Monday to Friday. Any traffic management costs are not covered by ESB Networks.
• Where it is ESB Networks' responsibility to have the timber cut, then we will schedule the work as part of our tree cutting programme.

Please note that there may be a delay during the winter months due to weather conditions.

Apply today

Familiarisation with ESB Networks' overhead electricity lines

In many cases electricity lines are confused with telephone lines. You will be able to recognise electricity lines as follows:

• Yellow danger plate attached to side of the pole.
• No footholds at the top of the pole.

Safety guidelines for tree cutting or hedge trimming

The following safety advice should be considered by your tree cutting contractors site safety risk assessment prior to any works commencing. 

• Do not cut trees or hedges within 6 meters of electricity equipment without first contacting ESB Networks. Apply for a free assessment through your ESB Networks online account for guidance. To ensure your safety, we may need to temporarily disconnect the electricity supply before cutting begins.
• Remember that electricity can jump gaps, which means you don't need to come into direct contact with a live wire to be seriously injured or killed.
• Always consult a tree surgeon / professionals, as cutting trees and hedges is a dangerous activity.
• If cutting down or knocking trees then maintain a safe distance of double the tree's height on either side of any electricity poles or overhead wires.
• Before you begin any cutting, establish a hazard zone of at least 6 meters around any electricity poles or support wires. Do not work within this safe hazard zone. 
• Be extremely cautious when cutting vegetation from a height.  
• It is best practice to not plant trees underneath overhead power lines. This will prevent the tree from coming near or in contact with electricity lines in the future, and will help to keep the electricity network safe, as well as reducing power outages.
• Always carry out tree cutting work in daylight.

Frequently asked questions

There are electricity lines presently running through trees on my property – is it ok for me to cut them?

NO.

 

Under no circumstances should you or your tree surgeon attempt to cut the trees or branches within 6 meters of the electricity network yourself. Remember, electricity can jump gaps, so you don’t need to come into direct contact with the electricity network to be seriously injured or killed.

 

To book your tree cutting assessment log on to ESB Networks Online Account.

For more information about tree cutting and hedge trimming on your property, click here.

Can I cut them back myself?

NO.

 

Under no circumstances should you or your tree surgeon attempt to cut the trees or branches within 6 meters of the electricity network yourself. Remember, electricity can jump gaps, so you don’t need to come into direct contact with the electricity network to be seriously injured or killed.

 

To book your tree cutting assessment log on to ESB Networks Online Account.

For more information about tree cutting and hedge trimming on your property, click here.

Will you cut down the trees completely or will you just trim the branches back?

Normally we trim the branches to maintain a safe distance from the electricity network. However, if the trees are in an unstable condition and there is a danger they could fall on the electricity network we will engage an ESB Networks approved timber cutting contractor to assess and identify the best solution.

For more information about tree cutting and hedge trimming on your property, click here.

Will I be charged for tree cutting?

There is no charge to you for essential tree cutting.

For more information about tree cutting and hedge trimming on your property, click here.

What happens to the timber from the trees?

If you wish to keep the timber or tree this can be left and you will be responsible for the storage and removal of the tree or timber. Otherwise the timber cutting crew will remove the timber for you.

For more information about tree cutting and hedge trimming on your property, click here.

I have some specimen trees can I get my own tree surgeon to cut them back, is this allowed?

Yes you can but it is at your own cost. You must still contact us beforehand as we may need to temporarily disconnect the electricity network to facilitate under taking the work safely. Under no circumstances should you or your tree surgeon attempt to cut the trees or branches within 6 meters of the electricity network yourself. To arrange a tree cutting assessment log on to ESB Networks Online Account.

For more information about tree cutting and hedge trimming on your property, click here.

How long will it take for ESB Networks to come out and cut my trees or branches?

Once we have made an assessment and determined that tree cutting is required, we will then update you with timelines as to when you can expect timber cutting to commence. You can apply for a free assessment through your ESB Networks Online Account. Alternatively, you may contact us on 1800 372 757.

For more information about tree cutting and hedge trimming on your property, click here.

At the moment I don’t think that the tree is a problem, but I’m afraid that in a few months it could become an issue. What can I do?

To request a tree cutting assessment either apply through your ESB Networks Online Account or contact ESB Networks on 1800 372 757

For more information about tree cutting and hedge trimming on your property, click here.