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Figure A. Cemeteries are cultural landscapes made up of a
variety of features. Grave markers are but one component of
cemeteries that also include walkways, drives, fences, coping,
trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. Each component adds to
the understanding of the cemetery landscape. Photo: Debbie
Dietrich Smith.

Improper use of a string-trimmer is also
potentially destructive, especially when it comes
into contact with soft materials such as marble,
limestone, and wood. Using the lightest trim
line and angling the trimmer head towards the
ground will help reduce damage if the trimmer
hits unintended targets. Consider hand trimming
around the most signifi cant, fragile features.

As a time-saving measure, herbicides are
sometimes used around the base of features
Vegetation Management to remove unwanted grass and weeds. In most
cases, use of herbicides for this purpose is not
Carefully monitoring and managing of trees and other recommended, as salts within the herbicide can
vegetation is an integral part of a cemetery preventive wick into the stone (especially soft stones) and
conservation program. Mature trees and ornamental cause spalling and deterioration. The removal of
shrubs can add character, shade, and seasonal color to vegetation also exposes soil around the base of the
historic cemeteries (Fig. A). However, if not properly grave marker, which, in a heavy rain, can cause soil
maintained, they can damage grave markers, fencing, splashing that may result in staining.
and other historic features. Mature trees may fall during
storms and drop large limbs that topple grave markers If fertilizer is applied, choose a natural organic
and mangle fencing. Overgrown vegetation creates wet, fertilizer to minimize salt content for the reasons
shaded areas and fosters biological growth than can stated above. For any chemical application, be sure
accelerate deterioration of stone, iron, and wood objects. to rinse away residue from grave markers, etc., with
water using a low pressure hose or spray bott le, to
A treatment plan for cemetery vegetation should minimize continued contact.
address trees, shrubs, vines, and “volunteer”
growth. For the assessment and treatment of trees Ongoing maintenance of cemetery vegetation is
that pose hazards, consult an International Society of essential to conserve grave markers and fencing.
Arboriculture (ISA) certifi ed arborist. Prune trees and Periodic inspections may warrant removing
shrubs adjacent to grave markers to allow air circulation trees; trimming tree limbs, shrubs, and vines; and
and light penetration. Certifi ed arborists and master removing volunteer vegetation. All trees should
gardeners should carry out this work or direct others be inspected at least every fi ve years. Annual
in pruning trees and shrubs, as many may be historic inspections are necessary to assess the condition of
features integral to the cultural landscape and worthy of shrubs and vines, and to identify volunteer growth
preservation. for removal. Mowing and trimming around the
hundreds of stone, brick, iron, and wood features
Regarding lawn care, historic cemeteries were not found in many cemeteries is a weekly or bi-weekly
designed for today’s large riding lawnmowers, yet this is chore. Lawn care is the most time-consuming,
the mower of choice for many cemeteries, as mowing is and, if not done carefully, potentially destructive
one of the most time-consuming and costly maintenance maintenance activity in historic cemeteries.
tasks generally undertaken. Mowing between tight
spots with a large riding mower deck is destined to
cause damage. Best practices include using a smaller,
push mower between particularly sensitive features, and
outfi tt ing riding mower decks with protective bumpers. Figure B. A pool
Low-cost options include using fi re hose padding or a ‘noodle’ can be
foam swimming ‘noodle’ (Fig. B). Additional damage is fi tt ed to the deck
caused by riding over low stones or coping, especially of a lawnmower
when the blade height is set low. If rolling over these to prevent damage
features is unavoidable, many riding mowers have a to grave markers.
hand-control adjustment to temporarily raise and lower Photo: Debbie
Dietrich Smith.
the blade height.

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