Spring 2025 Cemetery Services Newsletter

Initially Published: March 2025

With the arrival of spring, we prepare for one of our busiest seasons. May is the most visited month of the year, and our team is working to ensure the grounds are ready for all who come to reflect and remember. Beginning in mid-to-late April, monument foundation installations, inscription work, and grass seeding will resume. If you have any questions about upcoming work, please don’t hesitate to reach out.  

As we approach Memorial Day, our Tribute Store will open for pre-orders on April 22, offering a meaningful way to honor loved ones. Last day to order a floral arrangement will be May 13^th. 

We also invite you to join us on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day for a special tribute giveaway. Cemetery Services staff will be stationed at Meadow Road and in front of Story Chapel to share complimentary flowers with those visiting the graves of loved ones. 

Please also remember that Clean Sweeps will take place in April and June, helping us maintain a respectful and serene space for all visitors. Please take a moment to review our tribute policy to ensure all personal memorials comply with cemetery guidelines.  

How does Mount Auburn care for its turf? 

Our dedicated turf team works year-round to maintain the health and appearance of our lawns and burial sites. Seasonal care includes reseeding in early spring and fall, as well as routine mowing, aeration, and soil treatments at times to promote healthy growth. In areas with dense tree cover, grass may grow more sparsely due to limited sunlight, and our team takes a thoughtful approach to managing these spaces while preserving the natural beauty of the landscape. 

Winter conditions, including frost, snow, and ice, contribute to natural wear and tear on the turf. Heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures can lead to soil compaction and damage that may take longer to recover in the spring. As a result, some areas may require additional time and care before they fully green up. Our team actively monitors turf conditions and adjusts maintenance efforts accordingly to ensure a healthy, vibrant landscape throughout the year. 

How does Mount Auburn make use of natural resources in landscape care? 

Our team takes a thoughtful and sustainable approach to landscape management by repurposing natural materials to support plant health. For example, rather than removing all fallen leaves, we use them as insulation for some perennial beds during the winter season. This helps protect plants from harsh weather while enriching the soil as the leaves break down. In the spring, when our seasonal team returns, we conduct a

large-scale preparation of the grounds, clearing and revitalizing planting areas in anticipation of new growth and blooms. 

How does Mount Auburn care for shrubs throughout the year? 

Our team follows a seasonally timed approach to shrub care to promote healthy growth and maintain the beauty of the landscape. In winter we prune the majority of the landscape shrubs while they’re still dormant, skipping those that do better with spring/summer pruning. In spring and early summer, we prune to remove winter burn ensuring a strong start for the growing season. Summer pruning takes place after shrubs have finished their tender new growth and/or spring blooms, and we either prune to shape, or to preserve their natural form, depending on the shrub and locations. 

During the period between spring growth and scheduled pruning, some shrubs may temporarily appear overgrown. This is a normal part of their seasonal cycle, and our team carefully times pruning to align with plant health needs and environmental conditions. 

Why does Mount Auburn’s team handle all plantings? 

To ensure the health and longevity of our plant collection, all cemetery plantings are carefully managed by our Garden and Landscape team. Our trained horticultural experts select, install, and maintain plantings using best practices that support the Cemetery’s historic landscape, diverse ecosystem and ecological stewardship approach. Additionally, not all areas of the cemetery are eligible for individual grave plantings.  

Submit your questions about our standards and practices for landscape, garden, and monument care: 

Submit Here.