I'm curious about how deep I can safely dig without running into any buried utilities. I get that there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but what's a safe depth to avoid any issues? For instance, if I want to rototill and start a veggie garden, or if I decide to dig out and replace the bushes in front of my house, am I okay doing that? What about planting trees? Any tips would be appreciated!
3 Answers
It's always best to call before you dig, just to be on the safe side, even if you're only planning to dig a foot or so deep. Typically at that depth, you might just hit some sprinkler lines. Utilities usually run deeper, but you don't want to gamble, especially with risks like hitting a gas line. I've done some landscaping and called first; it made everything stress-free!
If you're creating new garden beds, definitely make the call. But if you're working on existing ones, you should be fine most of the time. Just take it easy and keep an eye out for any roots or cables.
It really depends on where you're digging. Do you know where your utilities enter your house? It's about knowing the risks; you could hit a coaxial cable or something. If you're using bigger tools or digging deep, it's safer to call. But for smaller tasks, just carefully inspect the area before you start.

Thanks for the advice! I'll definitely check my utility lines first.