Which of the following is a potential problem with trees situated near utilities?

Trees situated near utilities can present significant challenges, primarily due to their overgrown canopies. When tree canopies exceed certain heights or widths, they can interfere with overhead utility lines, leading to power outages and maintenance issues. These overgrown branches may also pose safety hazards, as they can fall during storms or heavy winds, potentially causing damage to infrastructure or injury to individuals.

The other options do not inherently represent problems in the same context. Regular growth patterns of trees are generally predictable and manageable, allowing for trained arborists to plan for maintenance accordingly. Promotion of biodiversity is usually seen as a positive aspect, as healthy tree canopies can support various wildlife and plant species. Seeding of trees can lead to new growth, which may cause additional management needs in the long term, but it is not as immediate a concern as the interference caused by overgrown canopies. Thus, overgrown tree canopies remain the most significant problem when considering the impact of trees near utility lines.