If a utility company causes an outage of other communications service, call the local service provider. Service should be restored at no charge to you. Although workers are required to pick up debris, homeowners often find sack lunches or leftover lines on their property after a job is completed. Utilities must obtain a permit from the city to work in the right of way. That often includes not only public roads, but also sidewalks, land immediately next to the road and, in some instances, parts of residential front yards.
Utility companies can also dig in utility easements, which are typically in the back yard.
City government regulates construction by utilities, but it cannot prevent damage. Complaints about broken lawn ornaments, pulled-up plant bulbs, exposed tree roots, tire tracks and trash should be directed to your city's public works department. Utility companies are not required by law to warn homeowners of work in the right of way or easement, but they are required to repair damage. If a tree is damaged, for example, there are charts to determine the dollar value of that tree for replacement. Homeowners are not defenseless.