Yep!
Call Okie, I remember that from the commercials years ago.
The other big benefit to calling in a locate request is if you still end up accidentally damaging a utility, they can't come after you to pay for the repair as long as you were digging inside the designated project area you had marked.
I did this once by running a chain saw with a dull blade accross the yard to make a cable size trench about 4-5 inches deep. Works great for an area with roots, but watch out for rocks.......
