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Call 811 Before You Dig — A Homeowner’s Guide
Why This Matters
Beneath your lawn and garden is a hidden network of gas, electric, water, sewer, and communications lines. Many of these utilities sit much closer to the surface than most people expect.
A small backyard project — planting a tree, setting a fence post, or digging for irrigation — can accidentally strike a line. Hitting a buried utility can cause explosions, electrocution, water contamination, or long service outages.
Calling 811 notifies utility operators so they can mark the approximate locations of their lines before you dig.
What Counts as Digging
The rule is simple and easy to remember:
If you will break the soil surface, call 811.
This includes:
- Planting trees, shrubs, or large plants
- Installing fence posts, mailbox posts, or signposts
- Digging for irrigation, drainage, or landscape lighting
- Building footings for decks, patios, or pergolas
- Creating fire pits, garden beds, or ponds
- Using a shovel, auger, post‑hole digger, or powered equipment
Tasks that do not break the soil surface — like spreading mulch or planting seeds without disturbing the ground — generally don’t require a locate. When in doubt, make the call.
What to Expect After You Call
Make the request a few business days before digging. Utility operators typically need time to respond and mark their lines.
Markers are approximate. Color‑coded paint and flags show where lines run; respect those marks and use hand digging or soft excavation near them.
Private lines may not be marked. Irrigation, septic, propane, and some landscape systems are often the homeowner’s responsibility. If your work could cross private systems, arrange a private locate.
Lawn and Yard Solutions Takes Care of This for You
When Lawn and Yard Solutions performs any yard project that involves digging or otherwise breaks the surface of the ground, we handle the entire 811 process for you.
We contact 811, coordinate with all utility companies, and ensure every underground line is marked or cleared before work begins. Your project starts safely, legally, and responsibly — every time.
The Risks of Skipping 811
- Serious injury or death
- Explosions, fires, or electrocution
- Service outages for your home and neighbors
- Environmental contamination from broken pipes
- Large repair bills and legal liability
Calling 811 is free and dramatically reduces these risks.
Quick Homeowner Checklist
- Before you dig, call 811 or submit an online locate request
- Wait for all utilities to mark their lines before starting work
- Respect the marks; hand‑dig near them if needed
- Check for private lines and hire a private locator if necessary
Final Thought
A few minutes on the phone or online can prevent a disaster that costs thousands of dollars or worse. If your project breaks the soil surface, call 811 first — every time.
📣 Contact Lawn and Yard Solutions
Let us handle the digging — and the safety. Lawn and Yard Solutions takes care of the entire 811 process for you, ensuring every utility line is marked before work begins.
Ready to start your project? Contact us today for safe, professional yard services.