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No, you cannot plant a tree above a gas line. Tree roots grow and spread over time and can sometimes dent, crack, or penetrate a gas line. Those same roots may also cause accessibility problems for maintenance or repairs. You can generally plant vegetation with non-invasive root systems, low-growing vegetation, and flower beds near gas lines. 

Temporarily capping a gas line—for renovations or during travel—doesn’t require a permit. If you plan to remove a gas line and cap it completely, you’ll need to apply and pay for one through your town or city. Depending on your region and its local codes, you may pay between $25 and $100. To avoid a gas leak or other hazards, some cities take the job of permanently adjusting or capping a gas line out of the hands of homeowners. Instead, they require hiring a professional gas plumber.  

Any gas pipe can leak, especially if it’s old or isn’t properly maintained. However, even with a shovel, plastic pipes are more easily damaged by impact. That’s why it’s so important to have gas lines marked by the utility company before you begin digging for any reason. Some metal pipes, like black pipes, galvanized steel, and copper, aren’t as easily damaged by impact but can degrade over the years, leading to leaks.

Propane is more cost-efficient than natural gas on a per-unit basis because it produces twice as much heat energy as an equivalent amount of natural gas. But propane is not ideal if you already have a gas line installed. The best choice for your home depends on the efficiency of your appliances and the amount of installation required of your fuel choice.