Spring is an optimal time of year to dream up and achieve your landscaping masterpiece. Perhaps you’re planning to build a new deck to enjoy those refreshing summer evenings or maybe plant a few trees to escape the summer heat. With our long bleak winters, odds are you have already crafted a plan on how to make your dream a reality.

If any of your spring projects require digging–such as planting trees or shrubs or setting posts– remember to dial 811 first. Underground utilities, such as buried gas, water, and electric lines, can be a shovel thrust away from turning an exciting spring project into a headache and disaster.

Nationally, an underground utility line is damaged once every six minutes because someone decided to dig without first calling 811, according to the Common Ground Alliance (CGA).

Play it safe and dial 811 to find out where utility lines run on your property. In a few days, a locator will arrive to designate the approximate location of any underground wires, pipes, and cables by being marked with flags or paint, so you’ll know what’s below. Then the digging can safely begin. Even simple tasks like installing a new mailbox post can damage utility lines, which can disrupt electrical service to your neighborhood, harm your equipment, and cost you money in fines and costly repairs.

There’s no need to assume the location or depth of underground utilities. The 811 service is free, prevents the inconvenience of having utilities interrupted, and will help you avoid serious injury. For more information about local services, visit http://call811.com/ or http://www.ndonecall.com/.