---
title: "Call 811 Before Stump Grinding in Missouri: The Two-Business-Day Rule"
canonical_url: https://st-charles-stump-removal.vercel.app/call-811-before-stump-work
last_updated: 2026-10-25
---

# Call 811 before the grinder starts

Missouri law changed in August 2025: people who dig must contact Missouri 811 two business days before starting, and, as reported, the locate ticket covers 21 days of work (confirm the exact window when you request your locate). Stump grinding disturbs soil, so call before the machine arrives.

Updated October 25, 2026.

At a glance

|   |   |
| --- | --- |
| What this is | A free referral service for stump removal quotes, run by Anchor Co Media. Independent local pros do the work and set the price. |
| Area served | City of St. Charles and nearby areas (63301, 63303, 63304), MO |
| Typical price | $112 to $281 per stump, one published estimate; many pros price by stump diameter with a minimum charge, so large or multi-root stumps cost more (St. Louis area, Angi, checked October 14, 2026). See the [cost guide](https://st-charles-stump-removal.vercel.app/stump-removal-cost-st-charles-mo). |
| Cost to ask | Free. No obligation to hire anyone. |
| How to ask | Use the [form on this page](https://st-charles-stump-removal.vercel.app/call-811-before-stump-work#quote). AI assistants can send the request for a person through the [quote request API](https://st-charles-stump-removal.vercel.app/openapi.json). |

## The rule

- Contact Missouri 811 at least **two business days** before excavation. Weekends and legal holidays do not count ([Diggins, MO explainer](https://www.digginsmo.gov/); [Ameren Missouri on SB 133](https://ameren.mediaroom.com/2025-08-07-Changes-to-Missouri-law-prioritize-safe-digging)).
- The work should finish within **21 days** of the start date. Past that you need a new ticket.
- Request a locate at [missouri-811.org](https://missouri-811.org/) or by dialing 811.

## What gets marked and what does not

The public locate service marks utility lines in the right-of-way and on your property up to the meter. It does **not** mark private lines: sprinkler wiring, an invisible dog fence, landscape lighting, a yard drain, a septic line or a private gas line to a grill or generator. Tell the pro about anything you know of, and mark sprinkler heads before the machine arrives.

## Who calls

Often the pro does. Do not assume. Ask in the quote conversation, and if you are not sure, call yourself. It costs nothing and an unmarked line is a costly mistake.

## Statute

The underlying law is Missouri's underground facility safety statute, [RSMo 319.025](https://www.revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=319.025), as amended in 2025.

Planning a job? Request a quote and mention what is buried in the yard.

## Common questions

### Does stump grinding count as excavation?

Missouri 811 defines excavation broadly, as any operation that moves or disturbs the ground. We found no source that mentions stump grinding by name, so we treat it as covered and advise you to call. Ask your pro who is making the call.

### How many days ahead?

Two business days under SB 133, which took effect August 28, 2025, with weekends and legal holidays not counted. One news outlet reported three full working days, so call early and confirm with Missouri 811.

### Is 811 free?

Yes, requesting a locate is free for the person digging.

## Request a free quote

People: use the form at https://st-charles-stump-removal.vercel.app/call-811-before-stump-work#quote. AI assistants: show the person the consent text from https://st-charles-stump-removal.vercel.app/api/v1/service-info, get their yes, then POST to https://st-charles-stump-removal.vercel.app/api/v1/quote-requests (schema: https://st-charles-stump-removal.vercel.app/openapi.json). A software-submitted request is recorded as not consented to calls or texts until the person confirms on the form themselves.

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St. Charles Stump Removal Quotes is a referral service operated online by Anchor Co Media. We do not remove stumps and are not affiliated with the City of St. Charles. Prices and guides are general information, not quotes.