Itching to dig? Follow the law and contact 811 first

Are you getting the planting bug? Well, it’s spring, and that’s perfectly natural. Whether you’re adding a new shrub or tree to your landscaping or digging a hole for a new mailbox, you may hear your shovel calling you. But wait … don’t disturb the ground before contacting 811 – it’s the law!

When you do that, local utilities will be notified and will mark areas within two days where underground wires or pipelines exist – including electric, cable, gas and water – for free.

April is National Safe Digging Month. Having your yard marked before you start any digging will help ensure you don’t damage underground wires or pipelines, which could lead to an expensive repair bill, a costly fine and, in some cases, a serious injury or even death. Visit lge-ku.com/811 for more information.

There may also be occasions when lines on your property are marked without a request from you. That happens when a utility or the city plans to do some excavating in the area.

Finally, if you’re going to plant a new tree, make sure you know how tall it will be when it’s fully grown. That will help ensure you don’t end up with a tree that interferes with overhead power lines a few years down the road. Visit lge-ku.com/right-tree for help finding the perfect tree for the spot you have in mind.