The Waterford Community Cemetery is updating the policies on general maintenance and care of sections/lots on the cemetery grounds. Our staff members take great pride in keeping the cemetery looking as nice as possible. These new policies will allow the workers to stay safe and work efficiently throughout the cemetery.
- Lot Care - Although WCC will mow/trim the grass and perform general maintenance, lot owners and their families are encouraged to take on an active role in caring for their lots and gravestones, acting in accordance with these Rules and Regulations.
- Lot Borders or “Edges” - Decorations, plantings and flower pots may be placed in a radius around a headstone of 2 feet, as long as they are contained within the owner’s lot and does not infringe on a neighbor’s lot. It is recommended, but not mandatory, to place a border around plantings, flowers and objects, so that mowing and trimming can be done without interference. Borders can be brick, stone, wood or any material that will not be destroyed by a trimmer. Wooden/metal fencing and trellises are prohibited (*hazard). Plastic borders deteriorate over time and are not recommended.
- Ground cover/weed barriers - Natural bark mulch and decorative rocks can cover gravesites inside a bordered or “edged” area, but all ground covers including rubber mulch, pebbles, stones and mulch will NOT be allowed outside a bordered area. This rule WILL be enforced.
- Plantings and Pots - Unbreakable pots may be placed on lots, or may hang from Shepard’s hooks. Any pots, urns, or other containers that are empty or contain dead materials must be removed.
- Flowers - All types of flowers (natural or artificial) are allowed within borders or edging. There will be NO artificial flowers allowed outside a border area (*hazard) on gravesites from April 1 through October 31. During the non-mowing months of November 1 - March 31, artificial will be allowed on lots. However, flowers can be placed in pots or behind a barrier, but must be kept in good shape and not discolored. Natural flowers may be planted outside borders, but could be subject to trimming. Dead flowers/plants will be removed by staff members.
- Wreaths - Natural or artificial wreaths may be placed at a gravesite from November 1 - March 31. Standing wreaths may also also be placed at a newly opened gravesite for 2 weeks after a funeral takes place. Outside of these times, wreaths will be removed by WCC staff.
- Decorative Objects - All decorative objects including: plastic night lights, clothing, shells, painted rocks, toys, etc. will be allowed on top of headstones or within borders or edges. If there are no borders, theses items become a *hazard and will be removed or mowed around, which usually produces an “unsightly” headstone. Absolutely no GLASS items are allowed in the cemetery including bottles, watering bulbs, etc. (this is clearly marked on our entrance signs).
- Bushes - Dwarf bushes (not to exceed 30 inches) will only be allowed with prior cemetery approval. All plantings must be placed inside the lot boundary and must be kept trimmed, and within the purchased lot. Any untrimmed bushes or vines will subject to removal. Existing shrubs should be no taller than 60 inches. Shrubs exceeding these limits will be removed. Rose bushes will be allowed, if trimmed back yearly and kept within the lot border. Spreading vines and other thorny bushes are prohibited.
- Trees - Tree plantings are NOT allowed on any lot, however, special cases will be considered for placement of memorial tree donations around the cemetery. For trees, you must contact the cemetery association.
- Flush Mounted Headstones - No flowers, planting or objects are allowed next to these types of headstones. They are mounted flush, such that mowing right over them may be accomplished.
- Removal by WCC - Any plantings, decorations or other objects placed on a lot that are judged by the WCC board of managers as not following these rules and regulations, judged to be detrimental/offensive to the cemetery, or a mowing *hazard will be removed without notice or recourse. If a “bordered” lot becomes unsightly with weeds or unmoved grass, WCC personnel will clear the lot of weeds, regardless of flowers or objects inside the border. If you are unsure about something, please ask.
- Lost, Stolen or Damaged Items - WCC is not responsible for the loss, theft or damage to any items, plantings or anything placed on a lot at the WCC. Be aware that there are many “critters” and deer that visit the cemetery and cause damage to plantings. Deer “proof” plantings are recommended.
* mowing hazards create dangerous projectiles that may cause harm to workers, objects in the area, or can cause mower damage (blades, etc.)