Original research
Call 811 before landscaping: what it marks, and what it never will
The free locate covers utility lines. Your sprinklers, lighting and shed power are on you.
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Written by HyreYard Research Desk Research and fact checking
The short answer
Yes: contact 811 a few business days before any landscaping that breaks ground, including planting a shrub, setting fence or pergola posts, edging, trenching irrigation or excavating a patio. The national 811 service describes itself as the free before-you-dig service and says every digging project, regardless of depth, requires contacting 811 a few days in advance, and that you should make sure all utilities have responded before breaking ground (811).
811 marks lines that utilities own. It does not mark lines that you own.
Virginia 811’s homeowner brochure lists lines to septic tanks, electric lines to sheds or landscape lighting and lawn sprinkler systems among those its members will not mark (VA811).
Minnesota’s one-call guidance says property owners with private underground facilities are responsible for locating them or hiring someone to (Gopher State One Call).
Notice periods and rules vary by state; your state one-call center has the specifics. For the rest of the pre-job routine, see how to prepare for landscapers.
Landscaping jobs and the 811 question
| Job | Breaks ground? | Contact 811? | Also check for private lines? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planting a shrub or tree | Yes | Yes | Yes, sprinklers and lighting |
| Fence, pergola or sail posts | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bed edging cut into soil | Yes | Yes | Yes, drip lines run shallow |
| Irrigation trenching | Yes | Yes | Yes, existing zones |
| Patio or walkway excavation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Retaining wall footing | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Core aeration | Shallow | Ask your state center | Yes, sprinkler heads |
| Mulch top-up on existing beds | No | No | No |
Rules vary by state. When in doubt, file; it is free.
How an 811 request works for a landscaping job
When you hire a contractor, the excavator normally files. Put it in the contract (see reading landscaping estimates); a request in your name does not always cover a crew digging on another date.
White marks the proposed excavation in the standard color code. Illinois Extension material suggests outlining a small dig area in white paint or flags so only that part of the yard is located (Illinois Extension).
A few business days before digging, per the national service (811). Your state center sets the exact notice and how long the ticket stays valid.
Marks appear as paint or flags in utility colors. Confirm all listed utilities have responded before anyone digs.
The marks show approximate location. The national service says to dig carefully around any utility marks; state rules set a tolerance zone where hand digging is expected.
Do not mow, rake or mulch over paint and flags until the job is done.
Private lines: the part 811 leaves to you
Sprinkler and drip lines
Irrigation lines are the private line landscaping crews hit most, because they sit shallow in exactly the beds being dug. If an irrigation company left an as-built drawing, give it to the crew.
Otherwise, run each zone and flag the heads. ICPI guidance seen in search also notes the utility locate does not mark lawn irrigation pipes, so the homeowner should point them out (ICPI Tech Spec 2).
Landscape lighting and outbuilding power
Low-voltage lighting cable is often buried only a few inches down. Line-voltage cable to a shed, gate opener or pool equipment is more dangerous to hit. If you do not know where it runs, a licensed electrician or private locator can trace it.
Gas to a grill, fire pit or pool heater
Illinois Extension material names a gas line to a grill as a private line locators do not mark (Illinois Extension). Treat any suspected gas line as a job for a professional locate.
Septic lines and drain pipes
Septic tank lines and downspout drains, including any French drain, run through yards too. Septic lids are usually visible; the lines between them and the house are not.
If someone hits a line
If gas is smelled or heard, leave the area, keep people away and call 911 and the gas utility from a safe distance. For any other damaged utility line, stop digging and call the utility.
Do not try to repair or bury a damaged line. Who pays for damage depends on state law and on whether a valid locate was requested; a contractor without a ticket number is a red flag.
What to put in a landscaping contract about 811
Name the party and require the ticket number before digging.
Homeowner marks known lines, or the contractor arranges a private locate.
Who repairs a hit sprinkler line or lighting cable.
The national 811 service says every digging project requires a call.
Your inquiry
Tell us about the work
Nothing goes to a landscaping company unless you agree.
Free, with no obligation: a person at HyreYard reads your request and replies by email. Matching is not live yet, so this is not a quote, and nothing goes to a landscaping company unless you agree. If a tree or limb is on a power line, stay away and call the utility.
Find a Landscaping Company
One short form: your address and how to reach you. A person at HyreYard reads it and replies.
Questions
Do I need to call 811 to plant a tree?
Is calling 811 free?
Does 811 mark sprinkler lines?
Who calls 811, me or the landscaper?
How long do I wait after calling 811?
Written and audited by
HyreYard Research Desk
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