This photo shows some of the decorations at gravesites at Milford Cemetery that should have been removed by April 15 for spring clean up. The photo also shows several shepherd’s hooks which are not permitted. The decorations can be replaced after May 19

Press Release

MILFORD — Decorations not on foundations should have been removed by April 15 at Milford, Mount Pleasant and Salem cemeteries, however, some items still remain, including shepherd’s hooks which are not permitted, according to Becky Alles, Van Buren Township Trustee. These items that remain will be removed and disposed by cemetery maintenance personnel.

The Milford Cemetery Association and Van Buren Cemetery Association rules and regulations, updated in 2019, states that decorations for summer may be placed on gravesites after May 19, so preserve the decorations due to community volunteers going through the cemetery with weed eaters on May 19.

Additionally broken glass, glass vases/decorations, shells, toys, wire and screens and shepherd’s hooks from which baskets, bowls or flower pots are suspended and similar articles scattered upon burial spaces are not permitted for the safety of the maintenance crew. Decorations can be placed on foundations and directly in front or on top of monuments. Nothing is to be placed on the west side of monuments as this may be an obstruction to burial excavating equipment.

The rules and regulations also states the association reserves the right to remove any object, floral display or other decoration on any lot that might become litter or might be deemed in poor taste or in any other way becomes offensive.

If any trees or shrubs shall become detrimental, dangerous or inconvenient for proper cemetery maintenance, the cemetery association shall have the right to remove such trees or shrubs or such parts as are detrimental, dangerous or inconvenient for maintenance.

The planting of evergreen trees and flowers within the limits of a burial lot must be done only with the approval and under the direction of the association. Leaf bearing trees, shrubs, and bushes should not be used. All plans for permanent planting or landscaping must be submitted to the Milford Cemetery Association Board of Directors for approval.

In the best interest of lot owners, permanent memorials of cement, artificial stone, composition wood, tin or iron are not permitted. All foundations for memorials shall be concrete, placed and constructed by an approved contractor. Painting a foundation will not be permitted.

Copies of the rules and regulations may be requested or questions asked by emailing: [email protected] or [email protected]