When planning what type of tree to plant, remember to look up and down to determine where the tree should be situated in relation to overhead and underground utilities.

Often, we take our utility services for granted because they have become a part of our daily lives.

For us to enjoy the convenience of reliable, uninterrupted service, distribution systems are required to bring utilities into our homes. These services arrive through overhead or underground lines.

Overhead lines can be either electric, telephone or cable television.

The location of these lines should have a direct impact on your tree and planting site selection.

The ultimate, mature height of a tree to be planted must be within the available overhead growing space. Just as importantly, the soil area must be large enough to accommodate the particular rooting habits and ultimate trunk diameter of the tree.

Planting trees under and near overhead lines will ultimately require your utility to prune them to maintain safe clearance.

Small, immature trees planted today can become problems in the future.

As trees grow, children or adults climbing them can be injured or killed if they come into contact with power lines.

And trees are made up of much more than what you see overhead. Many times the roots are larger that the above ground branch spread. Tree roots can cause problems when they invade sewer lines.

Trees planted near underground lines could also have their roots damaged if the lines need to be dug up.

Before you plant a tree, make sure you are aware of what's above and below ground.

Ron Fodor is district manager of the Butler County Conservation District.