Quick answer: Yes. Colorado 811 states that you are legally required to contact it at least three business days before you dig, whatever the size of the project. Stump grinding cuts below ground level, so it counts. The locate service is free and marks public underground utility lines with paint or flags.
Gas, electric, water and communication lines often run through the same part of the yard as tree roots. This guide explains how the locate works and what it does not cover. For the service itself, see stump grinding in Denver.
How does a Colorado 811 locate work?
- Make the request. Call 811 or submit a ticket online at Colorado811.org. Give the address and describe where the stump is.
- Wait three full business days. Utility owners use that time to mark their lines.
- Check the responses. Each utility posts a status on your ticket, either marked or clear. Confirm every utility has responded before work starts.
- Grind with care. Work around the marks and keep them visible until the job is done.
What do the paint colors mean?
| Color | Utility |
|---|---|
| Red | Electric |
| Yellow | Gas, oil or steam |
| Orange | Communications, cable and fiber |
| Blue | Drinking water |
| Green | Sewer and drains |
| Purple | Reclaimed water and irrigation |
| White | Proposed dig area |
What does 811 not mark?
The locate covers lines owned by utilities. It does not cover private lines that you or a previous owner installed, such as:
- Sprinkler and drip irrigation pipes
- Low-voltage landscape lighting
- Power to a garage, shed or hot tub
- A gas line to a grill or fire pit
- Invisible dog fences
Point these out before work starts. Sprinkler lines close to an old tree are the ones most often hit.
Who makes the 811 request?
The party doing the digging. If you hire a company, confirm who is submitting the ticket and that the responses are in before the grinder arrives. Build the three business days into your schedule. It is one of the reasons a stump is not always ground on the same day a tree comes down, as covered in what to expect during tree removal.
Does the locate cost anything?
No. The service is free to the person requesting it. It adds time, not money, to the job. What the grinding itself costs is in stump grinding cost in Denver.
Does this apply to other stump work?
Yes. Digging out a stump disturbs far more ground than grinding, so the locate matters even more. See stump grinding vs. stump removal. It also applies to filling and replanting afterward if you dig: see what to do after stump grinding.
Colorado 811 and stump grinding FAQs
Is calling 811 free in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado 811 does not charge the person requesting the locate. Utility owners mark their own lines at no cost to you.
How far ahead do I need to contact 811 in Colorado?
At least three business days before digging, according to Colorado 811. Wait the full three business days and check that every utility has responded on your ticket before work begins.
How deep are underground utility lines?
It varies, and depth cannot be assumed. Lines can end up shallower than they were installed because of erosion, grading and earlier digging, which is why the marks matter even for shallow work like stump grinding.
What should I do if a utility line is hit?
Stop work and move away. If you smell gas or see sparking, leave the area and call 911, then the utility. Do not try to repair or cover the damage yourself.
