How to Submit a Utility Locate Request for Landscape Removal

If you're not sure on how to submit a utility locate request in Indiana, you've come to the right place. It's actually quite simple and Indiana state law requires a utility locate to be performed in the area of your property where you will be digging. Visit the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor for more information related to Indiana law that governs utility locates.

White flags were placed where the shrub root balls are located in the mulch bed. Specific utilities have been marked (aka located) in this image.

Either you or your contractor can submit a utility locate. It's always best to mark the area where you will be digging, excavating, or grinding, with either white paint or with white flags. This is known as "white lining" the dig area. It's not required, but it is definitely helpful to the utility locate vendors who actually mark the utility lines. You can either call 811 or submit an online request at Indiana811.org. You can also learn about new laws related to utility locating at Indiana811.org.

While it's important to know where all underground utilities are located, the ones that are most important related to the services that Big Boy Services provides are communication lines (cable, fiber, and telephone). Communication lines are known to be buried the most shallow of all utility lines, especially the closer they get to residential buildings. The photos below show a good example of just how shallow cable lines, specifically, can be:

An exposed cable utility line is shown in this image. Communication lines (cable, telephone, fiber, etc.) are often buried within inches of the surface of the ground.

Same exposed cable utility line as shown immediately above. Although communication lines are often buried a few inches below the surface, what is shown in this image is often seen in condo community common area and in apartment complex common area.

Typically, Big Boy Services will not be performing root ball removals or stump grinding any deeper than 6 to 8 inches below the surface. Most utilities are no closer than 18 inches below ground. Call 811 or visit Indiana811.org for specific information related to your utility locate request (NOTE: Big Boy Services and its agents are NOT utility locate experts).

Utility Lines versus Private Lines: Of course consult a utility locate professional with specific questions related to your utility lines and private lines, but utility lines include, but are not limited to, water, gas, power, cable, telephone, and fiber. Generally speaking, lines under ground are the responsibility of the utility companies from the street to the meter or utility box on the outside of the residence. Private lines: One line that most homeowners assumes is a utility line, for the purposes of marking utilities, is the water line to the house. This is NOT the case. The water line from the meter (which is usually out near the street) to the house is considered a private line by utility locate vendors. Other private lines include, but are not limited to, e-fence, 12-2 wire (or similar) that run to yard lights and holiday lights, irrigation lines and heads, and other underground items installed by previous or current homeowners (e.g. buried gutter extension, etc.). A utility locate will NOT locate private lines or locate the depth of utility lines. You will have to hire a private locate company to locate private lines.

Once the utility locate vendors have marked the utilities, you should see colored flags in your yard. However, you will need to either call 811 or check your online submission to see if the utility marking is completed. Don't assume that all utilities have been located because flags are in your yard. Indiana Code 8-1-26-18 specifically sets forth the utility flag color code and marking color. But, generally speaking, red is electric, yellow is gas, orange is communications (cable, fiber, telephone, etc.), water is blue, sewer is green, and proposed excavation area is white. See real examples in the images below.

Stump grinding utility locate

Utility marking in Noblesville

Utility locate request in Carmel

Big Boy Services is a member of the Community Associations Institute (CAI), Central Indiana Chapter.

Services provided: Shrub and Bush Removal; Stump Grinding; Brush Removal; Limb Trimming and Removal; and, Tree Removal. Our main service area includes the north side of Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Geist. For a FREE ESTIMATE, please call/text 317-529-6650 or email BigBoyServicesIN@gmail.com today.

Areas on the north side of Indianapolis include Nora, Meridian Hills, Meridian-Kessler, Broad Ripple, SoBro, Midtown, Glendale, Castleton, Homeplace, Crows Nest, Rocky Ripple, Eagle Creek, and Fort Benjamin Harrison.

We also provide a DIY Trailer Rental.