Kansas Gas Service Kicks Off Safe Digging Month with Tree April typically marks the start of the spring planting season, home improvement projects and large-scale excavations.

April typically marks the start of the spring  planting season, home improvement projects and large-scale excavations. It's also National Safe  Digging Month, and Kansas Gas Service is reminding residents to contact 811 before any  digging project – big or small. To celebrate those who commit to safe digging practices by taking  the pledge, participants will have a chance to win a free tree.  

"Safe digging is essential to protecting our communities, preventing service disruptions and  keeping everyone safe,” says Trey Pool, manager of public awareness and damage prevention for  Kansas Gas Service. “Through the Safe Digging Pledge and tree giveaway, we’re reminding  Kansans that simply contacting 811 before digging can prevent costly damages and hazards. This  initiative not only promotes responsible digging but also supports a greener, healthier  environment for all."  

Dig Hero Tree Giveaway 

Kansas residents can prioritize safety by taking the 2025 Safe Digging Pledge at  beadigherokansas.com, and recognizing the importance of contacting 811 before their shovels or  excavating equipment hits the ground – regardless of the size of the digging project. After taking  the pledge, residents are automatically entered into a random drawing to win a free tree in  partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation, the largest nonprofit membership organization  dedicated to planting trees in the U.S. Winners of the tree giveaway will have the opportunity to  pick the type of tree they wish to plant and receive information about energy savings gained from  their tree.  

Why Contact 811? 

With any digging project, whether planting a tree or repairing a sprinkler system, there is a high  probability of underground facilities below the site, such as natural gas pipelines, electric cables  or water lines. The best way to avoid damage and injury or loss of service is to contact 811 at  least two full working days before digging starts to learn the approximate location of buried  facilities in your area. Contacting 811 is free, and it’s the law.  

By calling 811 or submitting a request at kansas811.com, professional locators will mark the  underground facilities within the designated project area with flags and/or paint at no cost to the  home or business owner. Once the project is marked, be aware of the tolerance zone: a minimum  of 24 inches. Hand or soft dig techniques should be used within this area. 

Learn more about safe digging and take the pledge at beadigherokansas.com for your chance to  win a free tree.