Overtime
Active member
- Feb 20, 2024
- 26
- 4
I've known about the 811 system for years, thanks to their savvy messaging. However, I thought their slogan — Call Before You Dig — related to heavy construction work with excavation machines and other earth moving equipment. Well, I just learned today that it also applies to simple gardening activities, at least in my state. I purchased two plum trees that were tagged with the 811 information. I looked into it, and in my state, we're expected to notify 811 before disturbing the soil. It doesn't matter how deep you intend to dig, or what tools you'll use to accomplish your goal. That goes for homeowners, as well as contractors and other professionals. After applying, the utility companies come out and mark their lines. Once that's done, I'll receive a permit to dig that's good for two years. Unfortunately, from what I've read online, it takes ages for all the companies to respond to these requests. Supposedly, I can't dig until it's done. My trees could perish before then.
It seems like such a ridiculous requirement. Do you think it would be okay to skip 811, as long as I plant my trees away from the power line and keep my hole relatively shallow? Are other people really notifying 811 every time they need to use a shovel? I'm also worried about getting into trouble for the stuff I've already planted. Once I bring them to my property, these guys will surely know that I failed to follow the law previously. I'm worried that they might report me. I honestly just assumed that 811 didn't apply to simple things like planting trees and other plants.
It seems like such a ridiculous requirement. Do you think it would be okay to skip 811, as long as I plant my trees away from the power line and keep my hole relatively shallow? Are other people really notifying 811 every time they need to use a shovel? I'm also worried about getting into trouble for the stuff I've already planted. Once I bring them to my property, these guys will surely know that I failed to follow the law previously. I'm worried that they might report me. I honestly just assumed that 811 didn't apply to simple things like planting trees and other plants.
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- Location
- United States