The program will be undertaken by Essential Energy's qualified contractors in compliance with the Australian Standard AS 4373 'Pruning of Amenity Trees', where possible.

Essential Energy's regional manager Southern, Steven Ilitch, said the vegetation program was about striking a balance between preserving the town's trees and ensuring power safety and reliability for the local community.

"A safe and reliable electricity network is a priority for Essential Energy and the management of vegetation in and around powerlines plays a crucial role in safeguarding power supplies," Steven said.

While Essential Energy is committed to protecting the local environment and the safety of the community, Steven emphasised that trees and overhead powerlines could be a dangerous combination.

"Trees coming into contact with overhead powerlines pose serious hazards to people, wildlife and the surrounding environment, with potential for bushfires, damage to property, injury and unplanned power outages," Steven said.

"Our comprehensive vegetation management program ensures minimum safety clearances are maintained between trees and overhead powerlines and helps to minimise the trimming required in the future, while also maintaining a more reliable power supply."

Essential Energy uses directional pruning techniques that remove branches growing towards a powerline and encourage re-growth away from the power network.

While this can affect visual amenity, these techniques are considered best practice throughout the arboriculture industry and are used by most power companies in Australia.

Customers can download Essential Energy's Tree Planting Guide at essentialenergy.com.au/trees for helpful tips on appropriate species for planting near powerlines or contact 13 23 91 for more information.

Weather permitting, the vegetation program will commence in mid-May and will take approximately four weeks to complete.