Our Alice Springs tree replacement program formed part of our wider Alice Springs vegetation maintenance program.
Works on our tree replacement program takes place on a yearly basis. As trees are replaced with more suitable species this timeframe may be extended. These programs are ongoing and are part of our planned maintenance schedule.

Our contractors, IVMS Australia work across the Alice Springs area to trim and replace verge trees identified as being unsuitable to grow near powerlines.

Before removing any trees we work with key organisations such as the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA) and others to ensure  culturally significant and sacred trees are identified and remain in place.

When replacing unsuitable trees we plant 2 shrubs native to the area that have a maximum growth height of 4 metres, near the unsuitable tree. They are given approximately 6 months to establish before removing the unsuitable tree.

At the time of planting the shrubs we also install signs at the base of the unsuitable trees to advise residents of their planned replacement giving residents the opportunity to contact us to express any concerns they may have.

About the tree replacement program

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The tree on your verge has been identified as an unsuitable species to grow near powerlines. At its fully grown height and growth rate it will be too close to or touching powerlines.

We maintain our power infrastructure to ensure the power stays on and our community stays safe.

A significant part of our maintenance works is trimming and removing vegetation that is too close to powerlines.

The trees will be cut to ground level and all the branches etc. removed from the area.

Power and Water contractors, Infrastructure Vegetation Management Services Australia will be removing the unsuitable trees and will then grind the stump if necessary.

Never try to trim or remove trees near powerlines yourself.  Trimming and removal of trees near powerlines is extremely dangerous and should not be attempted by untrained or unauthorised persons.

The shrubs planted to replace the unsuitable trees to be removed are natives, which already grow in the region and include varieties of Callistemon and Eucalyptus (mallee).

We have worked with a local company to plant two shrubs suitable to grow near powerlines on verges to replace one unsuitable tree.

The shrubs are planted approximately 6 months before the unsuitable tree is due for removal.

The Alice Springs Town Council has watered the shrubs as necessary to help them to establish in that time.

We are mindful that the extreme temperature conditions are not ideal for establishing young saplings and we are prepared to replant any that may not have survived the establishment period once the unsuitable tree is removed.

The tree on your verge may have been identified as unsuitable to grow near powerlines or is a significant or sacred tree that may not be removed and needs to be trimmed to keep a safe distance from powerlines.

To maintain safety and supply reliability we will continue to trim unsuitable trees within the two year vegetation maintenance cycle until we are able to replace them with shrubs of a more suitable species. Significant or sacred trees will also continue to be trimmed as necessary for safety and supply reliability.

Some of the shrubs planted have established well over the establishment period, however others have struggled with the extreme weather.

If we find the shrubs on your verge have not survived their six month establishment period we will replace them once the larger unsuitable tree is removed.

Power and Water will arrange to repair any damage caused to the verge, fence or driveway during the cutting and removal process.

Driveway use during cutting will depend on the location of the tree to be removed.

If driveway access needs to be temporarily blocked to complete the works safely, residents will be advised before works begin.

If you would like to find out more about the tree replacement program or the vegetation maintenance program please contact us by: