How to Get Yard Marked Before Planting Trees

Planting trees is an excellent way to add beauty and value to your yard. However, before you start digging holes, it's important to mark out the area where you want to plant the trees. Marking your yard will help you avoid any damage to existing infrastructure and ensure that your trees are planted in the right place. In this article, we'll discuss a few tips on how to get your yard marked before planting trees.

1. Check Property Lines

The first step to getting your yard marked is to check your property lines. Knowing your exact boundary lines will help you avoid accidentally planting trees on your neighbor's property or in a public area. Check for any survey markers or property pins, which indicate the property line's location. You can also hire a professional surveyor to conduct a property survey that will provide exact property lines.

2. Call Utility Companies

Before you start digging, it's essential to call your utility companies to mark any underground utilities such as gas, water, and electrical lines. This step is essential to avoid costly and potentially dangerous utility damage. You can call 811, a toll-free number, to get in touch with a local utility company that will come and mark any utility lines. Ensure to give the utility companies enough notice, usually a few days to a week, before your planned digging date.

3. Determine the Best Location for Planting Trees

After marking the property lines and utility lines, take the time to determine where the best location is to plant your trees. Factors such as the tree's size, growth rate, sun requirements, and soil type all come into play. For instance, don't plant a tree with a large canopy near overhead utility cables. Also, ensure to plant trees away from any existing structures such as buildings, patios, and fences, as the roots can expand and cause damage. Mark the locations where you want to plant the trees with stakes or flags.

4. Use Surveying Tools

If you want to be more precise in marking your yard, you can use surveying tools such as a measuring tape and a transit. A measuring tape will help you determine the distance and size of the marked areas, while a transit will help you determine the slope of the yard. You can use these tools to ensure the accuracy of the locations where you want to plant the trees.

Conclusion

Marking your yard is a crucial step in planting trees. Taking the time to check your property lines, call utility companies, determine the best tree locations, and use surveying tools will ensure a successful and safe planting experience. Once you're done marking the yard, you can start digging the holes and enjoy the benefits of your new trees.