DEAR HELOISE:
Calling 811 before you dig a hole for a bush is often seen as unnecessary—it can feel like a waste of the investigator’s time and an added expense.
However, if you’re planting a tree with a substantial-sized root ball, especially when working with a contractor who uses heavy equipment, it’s a different story. In those cases, calling 811 is a crucial step to ensure safety and avoid damaging underground utilities.
Always consider the size and scope of your digging project before deciding whether to make the call. When in doubt, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
https://www.unionleader.com/news/human_interest/heloise-reader-comments-on-digging-holes/article_3d6759c9-26c5-44fa-a051-210be239c87b.html