FLOWERS PLANTED ON GRAVES
NATURAL FLOWERS
WINTER DECORATIONS
PERMANENT PLANTINGS
GERNERAL RULES AND OBSERVATIONS
MAUSOLEUM DECORATIONS

Flowers Planted on Graves
Plantings should be confined to an area not more than 12 inches out from the monument or marker.
Plantings should be limited to 18 inches in height.  This will help to maintain a sense of order in relation to other plantings in the immediate area.

Artificial flowers or ornaments are not allowed (except in Lawn Crypt Sections). This regulation is for safety concerns. Plastic, wire or other sharp objects from artificial decorations can be picked up by a mower or snow removal equipment and hurled through the air which could injure an employee or visitor to the grounds. 

Upright Monumented Lots
Lots with Two Graves: Planting is limited to the front side and within the length of the monument.
Lots with graves in front of the monument: Planting is limited to the front and sides but not on the back of the monument.
Lots with graves in front and back of the monument: Planting is limited to the front, back and sides of the monument.

Flush and Slant Markers
All sections except Queen of Heaven, St. Francis and Lawn Crypt sections: Planting is limited to the front of the marker and within the length of the marker.

Queen of Heaven, St Francis and Lawn Crypt sections
Flowers cannot be planted in these sections because of the special layout of the graves.
Queen of Heaven Shrine Section:Flowers may be planted in a removable green cone or other in-ground type vase that can be moved at the time of mowing or other lawn care.
St. Francis Section: Flowers may be planted in a removable vase provided by the Cemetery.
Lawn Crypt Sections: Artificial flowers may be placed in the removable vase set in the marker.

Natural Flowers
Fresh flowers may be placed on graves in metal or plastic cemetery vases.  Potted plants up to 8 inches in diameter are also acceptable. Do not use glass containers due to safety hazard of possible broken glass.

Funeral flowers will be removed by the Cemetery on the day of interment because the flowers wilt and become unsightly.  Should members of the family wish to preserve some funeral flowers, we ask that they be taken from the grave immediately following the interment service.

Winter Decorations
Wreaths, natural or artificial, may be placed on graves from November 15th to March 15th. Winter decoration removal will begin on or about March 15th, depending on weather conditions. Should you wish to save these decorations, please remove them prior to March 15th.

Wreaths should be set on standards or easels or hung on monuments. Please use non-metallic cord as metal may rust and permanently stain monuments. Do not drive metal stakes in the ground due to a tripping hazard or potential damage to tires on cemetery equipment.
Permanent Plantings
Shrubs, bushes or trees may not be planted on lots and graves.  The Cemetery will remove any plantings that do not conform to the landscape plans for the grounds.

Do not trim or remove any existing shrubs, bushes or trees.  The Cemetery has an annual program of tree trimming, removal and replacement based on a long range tree maintenance plan for both new and older sections.

General Rules and Observations

OTHER DECORATIONS
American flags, up to 12 by 18 inches, may be placed on graves year round. In respect for the flag, and in concern for the general appearance of the Cemetery, the Cemetery will, at its discretion, remove any flags that have become unsightly.

Holiday or special occasion decorations, such as for birthdays or anniversaries, are allowed if confined to the monument and planting area.  Such decorations are permitted seven (7) days before and seven (7) days after the holiday or special occasion.

Please refrain from placing any other objects on graves.Ceramic or glass objects, shepherd’s hooks, crosses, temporary grave markers or plaques, statues, toys, novelties and  fraternal or military emblems, although attractive and often of sentimental value, are disruptive to the overall simple beauty of the landscape.  Unfortunately, these items are also tempting to vandals who may deface or steal them.  The Cemetery will not be responsible for loss or damage to such items. Cemetery personnel will remove and temporarily hold items of value that have not become weathered or disfigured. Mulching  with crushed stone, wood chips, shells or other hard materials is prohibited for safety reason. These objects can be picked up and thrown by mowers, trimmers and snow blowers and possibly cause injury to persons or damage to property. They will be removed by the Cemetery and disposed of.

LANDSCAPING AND GENERAL UPKEEP
There is an established plan for landscaping Cemetery property, Cemetery Management requests that lot holders not mow or fertilize their lots as this well-intentioned help often conflicts with the regular cemetery care.
Power mowers or other landscape equipment, operated by anyone other than Cemetery employees, are strictly forbidden. The liability resulting from possible injury and property damage caused by these machines strictly prohibits their use on cemetery premises.
Spading the surface, excavating, altering the grade, laying or removing sod is prohibited. Reseeding of graves and lots is provided by the Cemetery at the request of the family.
Do not strip or remove sod from areas beyond the planting limits.
Edging should be limited to black plastic installed with a maximum of 2” above ground showing. All other edging deemed hazardous may be removed.
Zoysia or other non native grasses should not be planted without Cemetery permission. These plants can become invasive and seriously damage the turf and landscape.
The period between March 15th and April 15th is traditionally used by your Cemetery to clean up the grounds and prepare for spring. Please refrain from planting or placing new decorations during this period. THE CEMETERY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REMOVE ANY DECORATIONS THAT VIOLATE THE RULES AND GUIDELINES DESCRIBED IN THIS DOCUMENT.
These rules are designed for the protection of all our lot holders and basically provide for a uniformity that will help enhance the beauty of our grounds and not infringe on the rights of other lot holders. The Cemetery has tried to establish the fairest set of rules for all situations and earnestly tries to enforce them uniformly. They are not in any way intended to restrain you unduly but rather to define an orderly plan of planting, care, and maintenance. Articles which could be thrown by power mowers or trimmers or which could damage equipment are prohibited to protect the safety of our employees and visitors. Your cooperation in complying with these rules will help to preserve the beauty and dignity of Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.

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