Do you need to call 811 for stump grinding?

What do the statutes say about stump grinding?

Neither state’s statute names stump grinding. Ohio defines excavation in general terms. The 811 centers add their own guidance on top. This page reports each source as written. It does not say the law requires a call for stump grinding.

The Ohio definition sits in ORC 3781.25. The Ohio Laws site gives it as: “Excavation” means the use of hand tools, powered equipment, or explosives to move earth, rock, or other materials in order to penetrate or bore or drill into the earth, or to demolish any structure whether or not it is intended that the demolition will disturb the earth.

Read that sentence on its own terms. It covers hand tools and powered equipment. It talks about moving earth and penetrating the earth. It does not list stumps, roots or grinding. Whether a given grind fits the definition is a question for OHIO811, not for this page. See the glossary entry on excavation under Ohio law.

What do OHIO811 and Kentucky 811 say?

Both centers ask homeowners to contact them before digging, and both give small projects as examples. OHIO811 says: “To be clear, contact OHIO811 any time the soil is disturbed, like tree planting, landscaping and fences, installing a mailbox, leveling for a pool, and of course larger excavation tasks.”

Kentucky 811 says on its About page: “Kentucky’s Underground Facility Damage Prevention law requires everyone who digs to contact Kentucky 811 at least two full business days before breaking ground.” Its FAQ adds: “Even small projects like planting trees, installing mailboxes, or building fences can damage underground utilities.” Neither page lists a stump.

The Beavercreek city page, in the Dayton area, uses similar words: “Contacting OHIO811 is essential when beginning any home improvement or landscaping job that involves digging, such as planting, installing a fence or deck, or aerating.”

So the centers speak broadly about digging and soil disturbance. A reader who is unsure can ask the center directly. Read more about each: OHIO811 and Kentucky 811.

How far ahead do I place the request?

Place it at least two working days before the work, and early enough to cover the date you pick. Ohio sets a sixteen day ceiling. Kentucky sets a ten working day ceiling. The statutes read as follows.

ORC 3781.28(A): “at least two working days, not including the day of the notification, but not more than sixteen calendar days before commencing excavation, the excavator shall notify the protection service of the location of the excavation site and the date on which excavation is planned to commence.”

KRS 367.4911(1)(a): “Each excavator, or person responsible for an excavation, planning excavation, or demolition work shall, not less than two (2) full working days nor more than ten (10) full working days prior to commencing work, unless a future start date is agreed upon as provided in KRS 367.4917(7), notify each affected operator’s designated protection notification center of the excavator’s intended work and work schedule.”

In Ohio, ORC 3781.25(F) says working days exclude weekends and legal holidays. Count them before you pick a date, and hold the work date until the marks are in. A locate ticket is the record of the request.

What do the marks mean, and what is the tolerance zone?

Utility crews mark the approximate path of a line, and the digging rules apply near the mark. ORC 3781.25(E) defines the area this way: “Tolerance zone” means the site of the underground utility facility including the width of the underground utility facility plus eighteen inches on each side of the facility.

Kentucky 811 gives a wider figure on its process page: “The tolerance zone is the width of the facility plus 24 inches to either side, with a minimum of 48 inches total (plus the facility width).” The two numbers differ, so follow the rule of the state you live in. Keep the paint and flags in place until the job ends. A grinder that works near a marked line needs care, so share the marks with the crew.

Does it cost anything?

No. The homeowner request is free in both states. OHIO811 states: “OHIO811 is a free public safety service!” Kentucky 811 states: “Locate requests are free for homeowners and excavators.”

A private locator is a different matter. That is a for-hire company that finds lines you own. It sets its own fee, and this page does not quote one.

What about lines I own?

Public utilities mark their own lines only. Lines on your side of the meter are yours to identify. OHIO811 says: “Private utility lines may need to be marked by you or your excavator using a utility locating service for hire.”

Its FAQ gives examples of private utility lines: downspout drain lines, electric lines to a shed or lamppost, septic lines, well lines, pond fountain wiring and outdoor security system lines. Kentucky 811 says: “Public utility operators typically mark their lines, but private utilities may not be included.”

Sprinkler lines, invisible fence wire and the gas line to a grill are also typically private lines, so they are yours to mark. Do these things before work day.

1. Walk the yard with the sprinkler map or controller zones in hand.
2. Flag the heads, valves and any buried wire you know about.
3. Tell the crew about the lamp post and the invisible fence.
4. Hire a private locator if you do not know where a line runs.

Does the stump location change anything?

Yes, in one way. If the stump sits on the tree lawn, the city may own it and may take the request. The 811 question stays the same. The ownership question is separate. See who owns the stump on the tree lawn.

A stump near the house also raises the utility question. Our guide on stump grinding near a house foundation covers that case.

Next step

Read the full guide, before you grind: 811, tree lawn and permits, for the town-by-town street tree table. Call (513) 587-6772 or send photos for a free estimate.