Tributes

Tributes made of natural plant material may be left graveside at any time of year to remember a loved one when you visit. In most areas, Mount Auburn provides and installs one metal flower vase, set flush with the turf, following an in-ground burial for your use. Due to safety concerns, other permanently installed vases or fixtures are not allowed.

All tributes are removed when they become unsightly or during routine area maintenance. These regulations support our value of environmental stewardship by helping to preserve the landscape and ensure the safety of staff, wildlife, and visitors.

Mount Auburn is not responsible for the safekeeping of any items left in the landscape. It is not advised to leave items of sentimental or monetary value. Once removed, these items cannot be retrieved.

*Some areas, including those with shared memorials, have special regulations and may not allow these Tribute items. Please contact us if you are not certain about the regulations in your area.

Mount Auburn reserves the right to immediately remove items that are prohibited. These items become litter or pose a serious safety risk when left in the landscape.

Tributes may only be set on the ground. Adhesives, like tape, and wedging items into crevices will cause damage to monuments and structures. Do not attach anything to the surface of a crypt, niche, or monument, and do not insert anything into the crevices between crypt panels.

All in-ground planting must be done by Mount Auburn’s Horticulture staff. To find out if in-ground planting is available for your grave location, please contact our client relations team at 617-607-2424 or email clientrelations@mountauburn.org.

During designated periods, flags are also permitted as an approved tribute. Flags are currently permitted during celebrations of Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans’ Day and will be removed the following week.

Two times a year, Mount Auburn offers those who cannot visit in person the opportunity to remember a loved one with seasonal flower arrangements. Our current program includes offerings for Memorial Day and the Winter holidays. Items will be removed throughout the week during these clean-up times. Please see our current Tribute calendar for actual dates.