Rules & Policies Cemetery Regulations

  • Dogs are not permitted in the cemetery unless confined to a vehicle.
  • No artificial flowers or arrangements allowed from April 1 to December 1.
  • No wooden crosses or temporary grave markers allowed.
  • No fences, toys, knickknacks or ornaments are allowed on graves or lots at any time.
  • Tin cans and glass containers are prohibited for cut flowers.
  • Winter wreaths will be permitted commencing December 1 to April 1, there after removed by the cemetery.
  • Speed limit is 15 miles per hour.

FLOWERS
We prefer in-ground beds to potted flowers because potted flowers dry out and die sooner. Plant adjacent to and against a monument or in an area where monuments go. If you need help, please contact the office at (413) 447-7953. Tulips should be confined to a bed – only one bed per lot. No artificial flowers or arrangements are allowed during the growing season – April 1 to December 1.

SHRUBS
No shrubs of any type are allowed to be planted by a lot of owners. Any shrubs that are planted must have a Trust set up so that the shrubs will be taken care of now and in the future. Please contact the office so the staff will be able to assist you with the types of shrubs that do best, and the cemetery will do the planting. Any shrubs planted on a lot without a Trust will be removed. We cannot allow additional shrubs to be planted in the East Fountain Lawn Section. The Cemetery will trim all shrubs starting in late July. Removal of old shrubs must be done by the cemetery, so the roots are removed, and the area is filled and seeded.

WINTER DECORATIONS REMOVAL
Winter wreaths are permitted from December 1 to April 1. This policy is posted at the entrance to the cemetery, we place an ad in the newspaper prior to April 15th each year and we remove it by April 15th. The decorations are removed unless arrangements are made to save them. We will not be responsible for any decorations left after April 1.

SUNKEN GRAVES
After the snow goes, a waiting period is necessary for materials to dry out. The topsoil and ground are wet, causing our vehicles to make deep ruts. Work is usually done by May 1st, weather permitting. The graves are compacted, raked out, topsoil is applied, and grass seed is added. If we miss one by this time, please call the office and we will write up a work order to take care of what needs mixing.

MONUMENTS
Foundations for monuments are poured twice a year, in the Spring and the Fall. The deadline for foundations is around the 10th of May and around the 20th of September. Flush markers will be installed throughout the growing season and will be done as soon as possible after receiving a marker. All monuments must be approved for size and design by the Superintendent of the Cemetery and must be in good taste, no trends, etc. Please consult us before ordering a monument. We have certain things that we do not allow on monuments and by doing this, it will help avoid disappointment. No lettering is allowed on the back of stones on East Fountain Lawn.