Do I Call Locator Before I Plant Tree?

Planting trees is a noble act that helps the environment, and your community. To ensure that your trees grow healthy and serve their intended purpose, it is essential to plant them correctly. One of the common questions that tree planters ask is whether they should call a locator before planting trees. In this article, we will delve into why you need to call a locator before planting trees, and what you should do after calling a locator.

Why Should You Call a Locator Before Planting Trees?

Before you start planting trees, it is crucial to know the location of underground utilities like water pipes, gas lines, and electric cables. These utilities can be injured or even cut if you dig into them during the tree planting process. Damaging any of these utilities can cause a lot of problems, including injuries or even death, especially if you cut an electric line. Therefore, contacting a locator to identify the location of these underground utilities is essential before you start planting trees.

How to Call a Locator

Calling a locator is an easy process that will take only a few minutes of your time. To locate underground utilities near your planting site, dial 811 – which is a free, national hotline – at least two working days before planting. When you dial the number, you will be connected to the local call center responsible for locating utilities in your area. The call center will take your details and provide a reference number that will be used to track the request. After that, the center will notify the utility service providers in your area to send a technician to mark the underground utilities with paint or flags. Once the technician marks the utilities, you will know exactly where to plant your trees.

What Should You Do After Calling a Locator?

After calling a locator, and knowing the location of the underground utilities near your planting site, you should plant your trees at least 15 feet from the marked area. Additionally, you should avoid planting trees near the utilities, as tree roots can damage the pipes or lines over time. You should also inform the technician marking the utilities if you notice any damage or see any danger to the marked areas. After planting your trees, respect the marked areas and do not dig into them.

Conclusion

Planting trees is an essential activity for the environment as it improves air quality and enhances the aesthetic values of any landscape. However, before you plant any tree, it is crucial to locate the underground utilities to avoid damaging them. Dialing the 811 hotline to call a locator is an easy process that will enable you to plant your trees without interfering with any underground utilities. After marking the location of the utilities, you should plant your trees at least 15 feet from the marked area and inform the technician if you notice any damage or danger to the marked areas. By following these precautions, you can help to preserve the environment while planting trees around your property.