With warm weather and landscaping projects upon us, Moline, Ill.-based Deere & Company last week announced its recognition of May as National Safe Digging Month. Warm-weather projects often lead to digging jobs that damage utility lines, disrupt neighborhood service and lead to fines and repair costs. But homeowners and contractors have a resource to avoid the accidents — 811, the national call-before-you-dig number.

Each year in the United States there are nearly 700,000 unintentional underground utility damages — more than one per minute. That is why the Common Ground Alliance — the national association created to prevent damage to underground utility infrastructure and ensure public safety and environmental protection — has designated May 2008 as National Safe Digging Month. Deere & Company, a leading industry supporter of CGA and its efforts, joins with the CGA to recognize and actively promote this important event.

National Safe Digging Month is dedicated to increasing awareness of safe digging practices across the country and to celebrate the one-year anniversary of 811. Throughout the busy digging month of May, CGA and Deere are encouraging homeowners and contractors to call 811 before they dig to prevent injuries, property damage and inconvenient outages. For more information about National Safe Digging Month, visit http://www.commongroundalliance.com/.

Deere & Co. is a leading provider of advanced products and services for agricultural and forestry and a major provider of advanced products and services for construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping and irrigation.