Give Locators a Target: Outline Your Dig Area Before You Contact VA811

Planning to install a mailbox, fence post or shrub bed, but don’t want utility flags all over your entire yard?

If you’re only digging in one section of your yard, outline that area first with white paint or white flags. That tells utility locators where to focus and helps avoid extra markings across the rest of your lawn.

Contact Virginia 811 at least three working days before digging. VA811 is a free service that notifies participating utilities so buried lines can be marked before work begins. Even shallow digging counts — some utilities may be only a few inches below the surface. Submit a request at VA811.com or call 811, then respect the marks and dig with care.