Before the grinder rolls
Mark what's buried. Then clear what's visible.
Below-grade stump grinding may require underground utilities to be marked first. In Tennessee, one free 811 request notifies participating utility operators—you do not have to call each company separately.
Submit at least three working days before work. That is 72 hours excluding weekends and holidays.
Call 811Request online ↗Alternate number: (800) 351-1111The safe-digging sequence
Five steps. No guesswork.
- 01Mark the work area in white
Use white paint, flags, or stakes around the stump and expected grinding area when possible.
- 02Open a Tennessee 811 ticket
Call 811, call (800) 351-1111, or use the official homeowner request. Have the address, nearest cross street, work type, and exact marking area ready.
- 03Allow three full working days
Do not count weekends or holidays. You may submit a normal request up to ten working days before excavation.
- 04Check every utility response
Wait for the legal start date and review the ticket's Positive Response status. Marks may be paint, stakes, flags, or an all-clear response.
- 05Tell the stump crew what is private
Point out irrigation, septic, propane, pet fencing, landscape wiring, and any owner-installed line that may not appear on the 811 ticket.
Tennessee 811
Public utility lines
811 notifies member operators responsible for public electric, gas, communications, water, and sewer facilities near the marked work area. These facilities often end at the meter or other point of service.
Tennessee 811 homeowner guide ↗Property-owner responsibility
Private lines 811 may not mark
- ✓ Irrigation and sprinkler piping
- ✓ Invisible pet fences
- ✓ Septic and private sewer lines
- ✓ Propane tanks, grill lines, and well lines
- ✓ Landscape lighting and power to sheds, barns, pools, or detached garages
- ✓ Water or sewer lines beyond the utility's point of service
Flags are not depth readings.
Utility markings show an approximate horizontal location, not guaranteed depth. Tennessee's safety zone includes the facility width plus two feet on each side. If markings and ticket responses do not match, contact 811 for a second notice before work continues.
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