To citizens, a cemetery serves two purposes, (1) the burial of loved ones and (2) a place where the living memorializes the dead. Markers tell about the individual who died and provide information about the society that the individual lived in. When cemeteries are ignored and allowed to deteriorate, and markers are damaged or destroyed, society loses vital information about the past.
Cemetery maintenance and preservation are performed out of respect for those who are buried. Maintenance is simple but may not be easy. Keeping the grass mowed, trees trimmed, and good lighting enhances the overall look of the cemetery and discourages vandalism. Proper use of tools such as power mowers and weed eaters must be applied in cemetery maintenance. Careless use of equipment can scar and break tombstones, especially older ones made of softer stones. To minimize damage to old stones, grass should be pulled by hand. When power mowers and weed eaters are used, guards should be in place to deflect debris. It is best to use a mulching mower so there is no outward discarding of debris. Any cracked or broken stone should be addressed immediately to minimize further damage to the stone.
Lighting is essential to maintain security in a cemetery. Lights should be checked regularly and changed if needed. Good lighting reduces the chance of vandalism. It is cheaper to change a bulb than repair vandalized stones. A well-lit cemetery draws the public to keep an eye on the cemetery which deters vandalism. Regular checks of the cemetery are required. Look for stones that have cracked or been damaged or destroyed. Check fences for needed repairs and vandalism. Address any defects as soon as possible.
The establishment of a continuous, maintenance program is the most effective preservation activity that can be performed by a municipality. A well-kept cemetery will discourage unwanted behavior within your site. A comprehensive plan that includes, maintenance, landscaping, training, and funding of a permanent work force will help ensure the continued preservation of any cemetery.
To citizens, a cemetery serves two purposes, (1) the burial of loved ones and (2) a place where the living memorialize the dead. Cemeteries and their symbols guide us into the past. Markers tell us not only about the individual who died, but the marker’s appearance and placement provides information about the society from which the individual departed. The symbols and text inscribed on markers contain important information for understanding the past. When cemeteries are ignored and allowed to deteriorate, and markers are damaged or destroyed, society loses important information about the past. Ultimately, an important part of ourselves is lost.
Maintenance and preservation of our cemeteries go hand in hand and is performed out of respect for those who are buried. Maintenance is simple, but may not be easy. Keeping the grass mowed, trees trimmed, and good lighting not only enhances the overall look of the cemetery to the general public but also discourages vandalism. Proper use of tools to keep cemeteries free of grass and limbs must be observed diligently in cemetery maintenance. Power mowers and weed eaters, when carelessly used, have and can still scar and break tombstones, especially old ones since they are usually made of softer stone. So, to minimize damage to old stones, grass near these stones should be pulled by hand. When power mowers and weed eaters are used guards should be in place to deflect any debris that is being thrown that may cause damage to the stones. When mowing, it is best to use a mulching mower when possible since there is not an outward discarding of debris. Any cracked or broken stone should be addressed immediately so to minimize further damage to the stone.
Lighting is also essential to maintain security in a cemetery. Lights should be checked regularly and changed if needed. Good lighting reduces the chance of vandalism. It is cheaper to change a bulb than repair vandalized stones. A well-lit cemetery draws the public to keep an eye on the cemetery which deters vandalism. A regular check of the cemetery is also essential. Look for stones that have cracked, been damaged or destroyed, and address the defects as soon as possible. Also, check fences for needed repairs and vandalism.
Day-to-day, periodic, and long-term maintenance are essential components of a long-term plan to ensure the continued preservation of any cemetery. The establishment of a continuous maintenance program is the most effective preservation activity that can be performed by a municipality. A well-kept cemetery will discourage unwanted behavior within your site. A plan that includes, maintenance, landscaping, training, and funding of a permanent work force will help preserve your cemetery.
