Can I plant a big tree?

i have a question. I heard a story the other day about this couple. They bought a house and planted a big tree. the city came down and said that there is a gas line running under the the their lot. The owners have to remove it. The couple said that they called the city and the city said there is nothing under their house. My question is *i am potential home buyer* is there a way to see what is running the house such as pipelines / waterlines under the house before buying it to avoid costly tree removal