Transmission Line Rights of Way Vegetation Maintenance

In order to provide reliable power to its customers, TVA must inspect and repair its nearly 16,000 miles of transmission lines. TVA must also maintain rights of way underneath and around its power lines. Trees, plants and other objects that might cause interruptions to nearby transmission lines must be removed.

Property owners of land on which TVA holds a right of way often have questions about how the land can be used. This site is intended to help answer questions and provide contact information for TVA staff who can address vegetation maintenance concerns.

Read some frequently asked questions about property owers' use of TVA's rights of way and watch this video to see why TVA clears rights of way.

Who to contact

If you have questions about transmission line rights of way, contact the TVA right of way specialist for your area:

 

Read an open letter to Valley communities about tree removal in TVA rights of way

 

What is a transmission line right of way?

A right of way is the area created for transmission line maintenance, construction and operation.

Find out more.

 

How does TVA manage transmission rights of way?

A vegetation maintenance program greatly reduces the risk of trees contacting the transmission lines.

Find out more.

 

What trees and shrubs may be compatible with a transmission right of way?

In some areas of the right of way, and with prior approval, TVA may allow low-growing vegetation that will not grow taller than 15 feet at maturity, provided it does not exceed other TVA requirements for reliable operation and access to the transmission line.

See a list of compatible species.