Do I Need a Utility Locate Before Installing a Fence?
Yes. The auger runs along the edge of the yard, which is where the irrigation, the lighting, the gas to the fire pit and the power to the shed all run, and 811 does not mark any of them.
Fences
The post holes go right where the lines run
Yes, you need a locate before a fence, and here is why: an auger goes in at every post, along the edge of the yard, and the edge of the yard is where private lines run. The irrigation main and its laterals. Low-voltage lighting. The power to the shed or the gate opener. The gas line to the fire pit or the grill. Sometimes the sewer lateral. On a country lot, the well line and the propane run. 811 marks the utility companies' lines up to your meter and stops; it does not mark any of those, because they are yours.
The order that works. Call 811 first; it is free, it is the law, and it takes two business days. Then have the private lines marked. Then set the posts, and hand-dig any hole that lands on or beside a mark rather than trusting the auger to miss it.
What we do. We trace what carries a signal with an electromagnetic locator, sweep the fence line with ground-penetrating radar for what does not, and paint the results in APWA color code where each line runs. No depth; a mark means do not auger here. Anything we could not find goes in writing. Residential locates are one flat rate for the visit; same- or next-day costs an expedite fee.
Send the address and the fence line through the request form, or call or text (719) 800-4937, and we send a firm number, within one business day.
Fence going in this week?
Call 811 first, then send us the address and the fence line, or call or text (719) 800-4937. Firm quote within one business day, often the same day.