Woodlawn Cemetery asks visitors to prepare for spring clean-up
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM) — Woodlawn Cemetery is asking people who maintain loved ones’ graves to remove old decorations ahead of its annual spring cleanup.
The cemetery is requesting for all non-spring seasonal decorations, flags, rocks, fencing, faded/unkept decorations, and any loose objects to be removed from graves by March 25. Broken and faded American flags should be removed as well.
Up to two solar lights and up to two shepherd hooks can be left at each grave, but they should be placed as close to the gravestone or marker as possible. Artificial flowers that aren’t faded and fresh-cut flowers also stay at graves if they are in an approved vase and placed close to the stone or marker. Monument saddles are always allowed as long as they are in good condition.
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Groundskeepers will be removing any decorations left at graves past March 25, but they’ve been instructed to leave spring decorations that appear to be newly placed and comply with Woodlawn’s current rules and regulations. The decision to leave or remove decorations is based on the staff’s judgment calls, so the cemetery recommends waiting until May 1 to place any new decorations.
Those concerned about tributes being removed can stop by the cemetery’s office or call 607-732-0151 with any questions or concerns. People can also request to have items held at the office and schedule a pick-up date by calling. Items left at the office past April 15 will be discarded.
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