After complaints New Bedford Cemetery Board reminds residents about decoration guidelines

“Reminder From Cemetery Board on Decorations:

New Bedford cemeteries are solemn and dignified environments for the families and loved ones of those no longer with us. After a number of complaints from members of the public with loved ones at rest in City cemeteries (Rural Cemetery, Pine Grove Cemetery, and Oak Grove Cemetery), the Cemetery Board would like to take this opportunity to remind residents and visitors about the long-standing guidelines regarding decorations:

Planting, Personal Item Rules and Regulations:

• It is the responsibility of the lot owner to maintain and restrict plant material from extending beyond the designated planting area of 12 inches from the stone or obscuring the name(s) inscribed on any marker or monument on the lot. Unsightly, unattractive, and dead plants and their containers, as well as invasive plants or plantings over 4 feet high, must be removed.

• Planting in the pathways (in between grave plots) is not allowed and will be removed.

• Annual flowers (geraniums, ageratums, marigolds, petunias, impatiens, etc.) are allowed for planting. Mulch is permitted. The raising or lowering of planting beds is not allowed. It must remain at the level of the prevailing grade and not exceed 12 inches from the stone.

• One statue, no more than 6 inches, may be securely placed in planting bed near the stone, as well as up to two solar lights.

• All personal items must remain in the designated planting area at all times. Any personal items found outside the designated area will be removed.

Prohibited Items:

• Barriers of any nature: bricks, stones, fences, ditches, mounds, curbing, fences, etc.
• Glass containers of any kind
• Flower urns, flame torches and vigil lights
• Wood chips, stone chips, and rubber mulch
• Shrubs (e.g., azaleas and rosebushes) and Perennial flowers
• Plantings or structures over 18 inches high
• Crosses used as markers in lieu of a headstone or larger than 8 inches
• Any flags from one week after Labor Day to one week before Memorial Day, with the exception of the week of Veterans Day in November
• Holiday decorations must be removed by March 1
• Plantings of trees on individual lots is not permitted and will be removed.

Any decorations that are removed will be stored for 10 days and can be retrieved by calling the Cemetery Office at 508-979-1550 ext. 5. The Cemetery Board thanks the public for its understanding and the collective effort of everyone to keep our cemeteries solemn and well-kept public spaces that befit their role as a final resting place.”-City of New Bedford.