In this blog post, we will answer the following question: How deep can I dig without a permit in the UK? We will discuss the instances when you need a Permit to Dig and when you can go without one. We will also give you some tips on how to stay safe while digging in your backyard.

How deep can I dig without a permit in the UK?

In the UK, you can dig 100 mm or less without needing a permit. The Permit to Dig is essentially security insurance that you will not penetrate or disturb the existing ground level.

Here is a summary of the cases when you do not need a Permit to Dig in the UK:

When you are doing routine maintenance of an existing shrub bed. In this case, you can dig 300 mm or less depth.
When you are digging 100 mm or less except when the pit is in a footway.
When you are doing routine maintenance of a static site (schools, park and other green areas).

Here is a summary of the cases when you must get a Permit to Dig before any excavation:

Digging deeper than 100 mm;
Playground refurbishment;
Sign installation
Fence posts;
Planting a new shrub bed;
Installing waste bins
Making trial hokes and ground surveys.

Shrubs or tree planting would be the reasons you want to split a bucket. You need to dig a pit the size of the root ball to loosen the dirt around the underground part to give it a head start. But this is not the case.

You have to dig in one place if you are planning a route. With fences, you are going to need to receive an auger. The same applies to decks where you need to place them below range.

It can be used for tasks like installing a fountain, installing a driveway, planting backyard vegetables or even replacing your mailbox.

Don’t make the mistake of believing that your work is too small to have an impact. This is how many problems occur in the first location. Don’t think this is a problem? If you are supporting the wrong horse, let us discuss what may be happening.

Dangers of digging without a Permit to Dig

It is by hitting a shovel that you strike. You will find gas, electricity and telephone lines. The latter is one. The first two can extend their effects and are harmful.

You don’t need this, trust us.

Repairs can take a long time, which makes them frustrating. Another point is that the threat zones vary depending on utility and climate. Their original paths may seem clear but at other times.

Utilities will likely choose the least resistant route with space. It makes sense to save. There are many variables that go into this equation that may not appear clear. This is another reason.

Complications of digging a hole In your yard

Your whole lot has changed over time, especially if you’ve been there a while. Landscaping modifications. An operator may have put in a brand new tank or a berm. These items can have an impact on protecting digging in your garden that you might not see for signs above the ground.

If you have changed the type of telephone or Internet service, services used by homeowners may also be considered. There could be a security system or lighting that could throw out a key.

The simple fact remains that if you choose to dig, you are faced with many strangers who need help before you move. Every time you pick up a shovel in your hand, it’s a probability of levels.

Depths to consider when excavating

The problem with the climate lies in the durability of this line as well as the line. The latter therefore resides in all substances. Keep in mind that flexibility must be balanced. gas, water and electricity are the main concerns.

The very first one measures 91 cm but can be deeper in places where the ground freezes below this amount. You will notice at least 24 and 46 cm, although natural gas and electricity have no set limits.

The sewer is a wild card, depending on whether you are on a septic system or even on city water. In the past, it was normally between 91 cm and 24 cm, the latter varies depending on your location. Other factors may play a role such as:

Soil profile
Elevation
Proximity to water

The mix is also completed by telephone and cable lines. They fall in agreement. The simple fact remains that the thickness is not that much. Accessibility is.

In case this water treatment process is used by your home, there is your septic system. Could influence the quality of the water in your well, and therefore your drinking water.

The tanks lean on a platform and her makeup filter to wash away water before it leaves it and dirt. Anything that compromises the integrity of your area can affect the safety and longevity of this system.

Problems here are not cheap to fix.

Digging itself sounds that you will have to think about. But, you also need to consider what you are planting. The roots of some native grasses and trees can extend more than 10 feet below the surface. They can, in turn, affect the wiring that your digging could influence.

You also need to think about everything you plant. They could interfere with power lines. The effects can refine the results. This means that when you plan to dig a pit in my garden, you will have to think about both sides of the equation.

How to be safe while digging in your garden

Before lifting a shovel, you have to make a phone call. It is true that you are making an educated guess about the thickness and can estimate the route of these lines. We advise you not to play with the game of Russian roulette.

The risks are not worth it.

A representative from the agency will come outside and report the tracks when you call 811. We suggest that you take a photo of the mark. Things are happening and the tracks above the earth are also changed.

If you want to play it safe, take landmarks and distance from a landmark like a tree or your house.

As soon as you have the information, keep giving it plenty of space. Far better to play safe than sorry, contemplating the consequences. Yes, it is to be conservative, but it is also a means.

The bottom line

We know you should start your landscaping work. It is an essential part of creating a home, your residence. It is also crucial that you do not travel for your residence. All it takes is a phone call. Is it possible to dig a pit in your own backyard to check. Don’t wait. Do it.

If you have any questions or comments on the content, please let us know.

FAQ on How deep can I dig without a permit in the UK?

How to dig a hole without getting tired?

If you are getting tired while digging a hole in your garden, you can use a manual auger to dig your hole. Hand augers dig when you drive them into the ground by turning the handle. The parallel jaws loosen the soil and push it towards the surface.

How to dig a hole to plant a tree?

If you want to plant a tree, even if the container or the root ball of the future tree is small, dig a hole 1m on the side, and 70cm to 1m deep. The more your soil is of “poor quality” (to simplify: poor), the more the hole must be generous.

How to dig a hole in rocky soil?

To dig in rocky soil, it will be necessary to equip the backhoe loader which will dig the ground with a rock breaker in order to be able to both break the rock and dig in the ground in depth.

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How deep can I dig without a permit in the UK?