What Trees, Shrubs, and Hedges Can I Plant Under Power Lines?
- Written by Gary Clarke

Planting under power lines comes with unique challenges, but it’s entirely possible to create a safe and visually appealing garden. Choosing the right plants ensures safety, minimises maintenance, and avoids costly disruptions.
This guide focuses on trees, shrubs, and hedges that thrive in Brisbane’s subtropical climate while staying powerline-friendly.
Why Choosing the Right Plants Matters
Selecting the right plants for areas under powerlines is more than a matter of aesthetics. In urban environments like Brisbane, planting tall or fast-growing species near powerlines can lead to serious safety hazards, including fire risks, power outages, and infrastructure damage during storms. Improper choices often result in increased maintenance costs, as regular trimming is required to prevent interference.
If you suspect that vegetation around your property has already grown too close to powerlines, it’s crucial to consult a licensed Level 2 electrician. These professionals are qualified to handle electrical safety issues, including de-energising lines when necessary and ensuring compliance with local vegetation management regulations.
By working with experts and understanding the specific requirements of powerline-friendly landscaping, Brisbane residents can avoid these pitfalls and create gardens that are both functional and beautiful.
Key Considerations for Planting Under Power Lines
Height Matters
In Brisbane, trees and shrubs that grow taller than 4 metres can interfere with overhead power lines, leading to safety risks and potential power outages. Opt for vegetation that stays compact even when fully mature.
Local Regulations
Before planting, consult Brisbane City Council’s guidelines for vegetation near powerlines. These regulations ensure your garden is both safe and compliant.
Brisbane-Specific Climate Tips
Brisbane’s subtropical climate poses unique challenges for gardeners. The high humidity, heavy summer rains, and occasional storms can impact plant growth. Here are some tips to manage these conditions:
- Drought Tolerance: Choose species that can handle dry spells common in Brisbane’s warmer months.
- Storm Preparation: Opt for plants with strong root systems to withstand high winds and heavy rain.
- Humidity Management: Ensure adequate airflow around plants to prevent fungal issues, especially during the wet season.
- Mulching: Apply organic mulch around your plants to regulate soil temperature and retain moisture during dry spells.
Advantages of Native Plants
Native plants are an excellent choice for powerline-friendly gardens. Here’s why:
- Adaptability: Native species are well-suited to Brisbane’s soil, rainfall patterns, and climate, making them easier to grow and maintain.
- Low Maintenance: These plants generally require less watering, fertilising, and pruning compared to non-native species.
- Wildlife Support: Many native plants attract birds, bees, and other pollinators, contributing to the local ecosystem.
- Resilience: Native species are more likely to withstand extreme weather conditions, such as heatwaves and storms.
Popular native options for Brisbane gardens include Tuckeroo (Cupaniopsis anacardioides), Finger Lime (Citrus australasica), and Snow in Summer (Melaleuca linariifolia).
Tree, Shrub, and Hedge Placement
Strategic placement of trees, shrubs, and hedges under power lines is essential for safety and aesthetics. Follow these guidelines:
Trees
- Plant medium-sized trees like Tuckeroo or Snow in Summer at least 4–6 metres away from powerlines. This distance prevents branches from encroaching on electrical infrastructure while allowing the trees to grow naturally.
- Avoid planting directly under powerlines unless the species is specifically chosen for its compact growth habit.
Shrubs
- Use shrubs such as Tea Tree (Leptospermum scoparium) and Peach Blossom Tea Tree (Leptospermum squarrosum) to fill gaps in your garden. These species remain low-growing and are perfect for adding colour and texture beneath powerlines.
- Space shrubs evenly to prevent overcrowding and maintain good airflow, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Hedges
- Hedges like Mock Orange (Murraya paniculata) and Midyim Berry (Austromyrtus dulcis) can serve as privacy screens or windbreaks. Position them where they won’t obstruct powerlines, typically along property boundaries or away from electrical infrastructure.
- Regular pruning ensures that hedges remain tidy and within safe height limits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Planting under powerlines requires careful planning. Avoid these common mistakes to ensure your garden remains safe and low-maintenance:
- Choosing Fast-Growing Species: Tall, fast-growing trees or shrubs may quickly encroach on powerlines, requiring frequent pruning or removal.
- Neglecting Maintenance: Failing to regularly prune plants can lead to overgrown vegetation that interferes with powerlines, increasing the risk of outages and safety hazards.
- Ignoring Local Regulations: Some plants may violate council guidelines for vegetation near powerlines, leading to fines or mandatory removal.
- Planting Too Close to Powerlines: Even low-growing species can pose risks if planted too close. Always follow spacing recommendations to ensure safety.
- Overcrowding Plants: Dense planting can restrict airflow, leading to fungal diseases and weak growth. Proper spacing ensures healthy, robust plants.
- Overlooking Climate: Selecting plants unsuited to Brisbane’s weather can result in poor growth or higher maintenance needs. Always choose species adapted to the local climate.
Powerline-Friendly Garden Design Ideas
Designing a garden with powerlines in mind requires balancing aesthetics with functionality. Here are some tips to help you create a cohesive and safe outdoor space:
- Layered Planting: Arrange plants in layers, with low-growing groundcovers closest to the powerlines, followed by medium-height shrubs, and taller trees positioned further away. This creates depth and visual interest while keeping taller vegetation away from powerlines.
- Create Pathways: Use pathways or garden beds to define areas beneath powerlines. This reduces the temptation to plant large trees directly underneath and ensures easy access for maintenance.
- Focal Points: Incorporate focal points such as a birdbath, garden sculpture, or seating area beneath powerlines to draw attention away from the overhead infrastructure.
- Seasonal Colour: Choose plants that provide year-round interest, such as flowering shrubs or hedges with colourful foliage, to keep your garden vibrant without relying on tall species.
- Use Raised Beds: Install raised garden beds under powerlines to grow herbs, vegetables, or groundcovers. This ensures low-growing plants dominate the space while adding functionality to your garden.
- Integrate Native Plants: Incorporate native species that thrive in Brisbane’s climate for a low-maintenance, wildlife-friendly design. Use combinations of native shrubs and hedges to create a cohesive look.
- Safety Zones: Maintain a clear safety zone of at least 4 metres around powerlines. Use gravel, mulch, or low groundcovers in these areas to minimise risk.
Maintenance Tips for Brisbane Gardens
- Pruning: Regular formative pruning ensures trees and shrubs stay compact and safe.
- Watering: Mulch and deep watering during dry spells help plants thrive in subtropical climate.
- Weeding: Remove invasive weeds to reduce competition for nutrients.
- Soil Care: Use organic compost to improve soil health and support strong root systems.
Final Thoughts
Creating a beautiful garden under power lines in Brisbane is all about choosing the right plants. By selecting compact, hardy species and maintaining them well, you can enjoy a safe, low-maintenance outdoor space that supports local wildlife. For more gardening tips, visit Aussie Green Thumb—your go-to resource for all things gardening!
Author: Gary Clarke
Hello, I’m Gary! Gardening has always been a big part of my life, and I’ve been fortunate to bring my experience as a landscaper and gardening enthusiast to the Aussie Green Thumb team since 2020.
One of my biggest passions is incorporating native Australian plants into gardens across the country. I believe these plants not only showcase the beauty of our natural environment but also contribute to sustainable gardening practices.
I also love inspiring others to grow their own food through fruit trees and vegetable gardens, creating spaces that are both productive and rewarding.