If it’s true that the only time you start at the top is when you’re digging a hole, it’s even truer that the only way to start digging any hole safely is by calling 811 first. That goes for planting a tree or shrub, building a patio, deck or fence and even installing a mailbox — all among the top home-digging projects. Unfortunately, about 40% of the estimated 31 million homeowners planning digging projects do not call 811 before digging, according to Call 811. This has led to millions of unintentional strikes to the country’s more than 200 million miles of underground utilities, potentially creating safety hazards and disrupting utility service.