35Preservation of trees

35 Preservation of trees

35 Preservation of trees

(1) A distributor must not remove or trim a tree in a way that substantially damages the tree, unless—

(a) the distributor is satisfied it is necessary to do so to protect—

(i) the distributor’s power lines, or

(ii) the safety of persons or property under or near the power lines, and

(b) the distributor—

(i) has considered alternative methods, and

(ii) is satisfied that none of the methods is feasible, including economically feasible, in the circumstances, and

(c) the distributor is acting in accordance with a tree management plan.

(2) In this section—

alternative methods includes the following—

(a) the use of aerial bundled cables,

(b) the controlled trimming of trees,

(c) the appropriate location or relocation of power lines, including placing the lines underground.