Does TVA have the right to cut a tree that is located outside a transmission line right-of-way?
Yes, if it is a “danger tree.” A danger tree is any tree located outside the right-of-way that would 1) come within five feet of an electric power line if it fell, 2) would hit a transmission line structure if it fell, or 3) would come within five feet of a transmission structure if it fell. (Some easement documents provide for a 10-foot distance.) Almost all of the easement documents give TVA the right to cut such trees for the protection of the transmission line. VA also has the permanent right under most easement documents to cut any portion of a tree that is located off the right-of-way but extends over it, regardless of the height of the tree.
