Plant the right trees and shrubs when installing residential landscape

SEATTLE -- Those gorgeous trees and shrubs in your yard could be about to gouge your bank account with unexpected expenses because they're planted in the wrong location.

Whether it's an evergreen or sheds its leaves in the fall, a tree or large shrub planted in the wrong location poses hazards you may not think about when it's small.

Common hazards include interference with power lines, damage to roofs and gutters, structural damage, lawn and plant damage, even damage to water and sewer lines underground.

To avoid the trauma and aggravation of watching your power company aggressively cut off branches around high voltage lines, or having to remove trees on your property because of potential fire or damage, be proactive and explore your alternatives.

Seattle City Light offers a downloadable book that anyone can use to find the right tree. The Washington State Nursery & Landscape Association offers all sorts of information on tree selection and planting.

So, before you plant:

*Identify the planting location
*Photograph the planting area
*Get a free utility locate to mark utility lines underground
*And don't forget to look up!