Tree Cutting Assessment

Emergency Advice

Dangerous scenarios such as a tree leaning on overhead electricity lines, broken or damaged branches hanging over or on electricity lines, should be communicated to ESB Networks immediately on 1800 372 999 or 021 2382410. Under no circumstances should you or a third party on your behalf attempt to remove the tree hazard yourself.

 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.

Typical ESB Networks electrical pole example below:

Typical telecoms (Eir) pole example below: 

Contact our emergency number 1800 372 999 or 021 2382410 if you're still unsure whether the trees are touching ESB Networks overhead electricity lines.

Cutting Trees and Trimming Hedges On Your Property

If you are planning to cut tree or trim hedges on your property, be aware that any trees or vegetation close to electricity wires or ESB Networks’ equipment presents a significant safety hazard. Electricity can jump gaps, which means that you don't need to come into direct contact with a live electricity wire, or electrical equipment, to be seriously injured or killed.

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.

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

Apply Today

Tree Cutting Site Assessment Outcome

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.

Safety Guidelines for Tree Cutting or Hedge Trimming

Contractors

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.