When Americans have an emergency, they dial 911 on the phone. But landscaping enthusiasts in the U.S. should become aware of another (similar) phone number: 811. Marie Iannotti reports on the "new, federally-mandated national Call Before You Dig number." Says About's Gardening Guide, "Everyone in the U.S. calls the same One Call Center - 811 - and operators will route your call to the appropriate utility companies. They’ll send a pro out to your property within a couple of days and you can start planting trees or mailboxes or whatever your imagination conjures, knowing you, your family and your home are safe."