Thanks for any replies.
Roots in future bed
I would like to plant a bed in area where the gas line is present. Unfortunately, there are many, many roots present from dead vines and hollies. I would like to rototill the area but I'm afraid I might hit the gas line. Does anyone have any suggestions. I tried hand digging and this was just too difficult as the roots are an inch or more in diameter and I can't tell where they are located.
Call the gas company and ask them. Where I live, the utilities are usually 3 feet deep. The exception may be the phone and cable. They may only be 18" - 2 ft down. My guess is that the gas line is pretty deep.
As for the roots - a hand tiller would be worse than digging by hand. Your best bet is a pick-axe which has a pick on one side of the head and a chopping blade on the other. That chopping blade will cut thru the roots. DO NOT USE A REGULAR AXE!!!
Some places provide a free service to mark for you the location of underground utilities. Once the location is clearly marked, you can be very careful in that spot and go wild on the rest. Your gas co. or any local utility should be able to advise you who will do this for free.