Planning a home improvement job? Planting a tree? Installing a fence or deck? WAIT! Here’s what you need to know first:

Whether you are planning to do it yourself or hire a professional, smart digging means calling 811 three full working days before each job. Homeowners often make risky assumptions about whether or not they should get their utility lines marked, but every digging job requires a call -even small projects like planting trees and shrubs. The depth of underground utility lines varies and there may be multiple utility lines in a common area. Digging without calling can disrupt service to an entire neighborhood, harm you and those around you and potentially result in fines and repair costs. Calling 811 three full working days before every digging job gets your underground utility lines marked for free and helps prevent undesired consequences.