Grand Design Landscape is encouraging Reno homeowners planning patios, retaining walls and landscape work to follow USA North 811 safe digging guidance.
Reno, NV (PRUnderground) November 10th, 2026
As Reno homeowners use the winter months to plan new patios, retaining walls and landscape projects for spring, Grand Design Landscape is encouraging residents to make sure every digging project starts with a free call to 811.
Grand Design Landscape, a landscaping reno company that designs and builds outdoor living spaces across the Truckee Meadows, said winter is when many families finalize designs and sign contracts for work that will break ground in the spring.
According to USA North 811, the one-call center serving Nevada, the 811 service is a free national resource that notifies utility companies of planned excavation so locators can mark the locations of buried electric lines, gas pipes, water pipes and telecommunication cables.
USA North 811 asks homeowners to pre-mark the area where they plan to dig in white paint or flags and to call 811 at least two working days before the project begins, then wait until each utility operator has responded before digging.
For homeowners who hire someone to dig on their property, USA North 811 recommends asking three questions: whether the contractor contacted 811, what the 811 ticket number is, and whether all utility companies have responded.
“Almost every outdoor project we build starts with a shovel in the ground, whether it’s a footing, a base for pavers or a trench for drainage,” said Ben Benesch, owner of Grand Design Landscape. “Before we dig, we want the marks on the ground. Any homeowner should feel comfortable asking their contractor for the ticket number.”
The company said utility locations often shape the layout of patios and walkways, which is one reason it settles those questions during landscape design reno planning rather than on the first day of construction.
Hardscape work involves excavating for a compacted base. For reno hardscaping projects such as patios and walkways, the company recommends confirming utility marks before final dimensions are set.
Retaining walls require deeper footings and drainage behind the wall, so homeowners planning a retaining wall reno nv project should expect the excavation and utility locate to be part of the schedule, the company said.
“Planning in the winter means the design, the permits and the locates are ready when the ground thaws,” Benesch said. “That’s how projects start on time in the spring.”
Grand Design Landscape offers complimentary consultations and can be reached at (775) 750-7251.
About Grand Design Landscape
Grand Design Landscape is a landscape design and construction company serving Reno and surrounding communities in Northern Nevada. The company provides landscape design, patios and hardscaping, retaining walls, artificial turf, irrigation, xeriscape installation, drainage solutions and paver restoration.
Media contact: Ben Benesch, Grand Design Landscape, (775) 750-7251, bbenesch.pcs@gmail.com
