Purpose
This policy establishes a clear schedule for the removal of flowers, decorations, and other items placed on graves in order to maintain the aesthetic quality and upkeep of cemetery grounds, and to ensure that cemetery maintenance operations are carried out safely.
Policy Overview
To maintain a respectful and well-kept environment for all visitors’ flowers and decorations of all types placed on graves will be removed periodically based on the time of year and maintenance season. This schedule ensures proper grounds maintenance, including mowing and trimming, while also providing a fair and consistent approach for all families visiting the cemetery.
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During the non-mowing season, which runs from (November 30th to March 1st), all flowers, decorations and items placed on graves are subject to removal on the first day of every month. This includes artificial flowers, vases, wreaths, ornaments, glass, metal hangers and any other personal items.
Removal Schedule:
- Removal Date: During the non-mowing season (November 30th –March 1st) cemetery staff will not remove any items from the graves. Cemetery will install in-ground vases that can be purchased in the office. Unapproved vases are subject to removal.
- Items to be removed: ALL ITEMS ON GRAVESITE
During the mowing season, which runs from (March 1st to November 30th), ALL ITEMS placed on graves will be subject to removal every Friday of each week. This allows for proper groundskeeping and ensures that the cemetery remains clean and well-maintained.
Removal Schedule:
- Removal Day: Every Friday during the mowing season (March 1st – November 30th).
- Items to be Removed: All flowers, decorations, and various miscellaneous items placed on gravesites
Items placed on or attached to gravestones are not subject to removal.
- Flowers and decorations may be placed on graves at any time, but it is important to note that they will be removed according to the schedules outlined above.
- Please use appropriate, non-perishable items that are weather-resistant, particularly during the winter months when items may be damaged by snow and ice.
- The cemetery is not responsible for any items that are removed according to the scheduled policy or by weather related events such as wind.
- In the case of holidays or special observances (e.g., Memorial Day, All Saints’ Day), families are permitted to place flowers or decorations for a limited period. These items will still be subject to removal according to the regular schedule, unless otherwise arranged in advance with cemetery management.
- Temporary exceptions for grave-specific arrangements may be requested, but all requests should be submitted in writing at least two weeks in advance.
Items placed on or attached to gravestones are not subject to removal.
Cemetery staff will monitor the grounds and ensure adherence to the flower and decoration removal schedule. Items that remain after the designated removal dates will be cleared to maintain grounds and avoid obstruction of cemetery maintenance operations.
Any changes to the removal schedule (such as due to severe weather or special circumstances) will be communicated to the public through the Prospect Hill Cemetery website. Families are encouraged to periodically check the website for updates to this policy. https://prospectcemetery.org/
By following this policy, we ensure that all visitors to the cemetery can honor their loved ones in a respectful, clean, and well-maintained environment throughout the year.
- Unapproved borders made of rubber, metal, plastic or masonry blocks are deemed a hazard and are subject to immediate removal.
- Any unauthorized items that are simply stuck in the ground or left sitting on the ground like plastic, metal or glass vases, artificial flowers, solar lights or other undisclosed memorabilia are subject to removal.
- Anything that can become a projectile if accidentally hit by a lawn mower or weed eater. This also means items that can cause damage to a piece of PHC grounds keeping equipment, again mowers or weed eaters. Unseen wires from old artificial flowers have been known to puncture tires causing both expense and downtime.
- It has been documented that the previous PHC manager both promoted and allowed some graves to have borders with decorative white gravel. Any new attempts by individuals to do this or something similar without prior approval will be notified.