8 Things Tennessee Cemeteries Can Remove From a Grave Without Telling the Family
Tennessee law lets each cemetery write and enforce its own rules.
That means what’s welcome at one grave can be against the rules at another cemetery, and some set a fine.
Here’s what those rules cover, and where you can find them before you leave anything behind this Veterans Day.
Note: This is general information, not legal advice. Cemetery rules are subject to change, so check the current rules with the cemetery that holds the grave.
1. Flowers Left on the Ground
From February through October, Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis removes and discards any flowers left on the ground every time it mows.
If you set a bouquet in the grass, it can be gone by your next visit.
Elmwood allows only natural cut flowers and silk flowers, and they have to attach to the monument with a permanent vase or saddle.
The state’s veterans cemeteries remove floral arrangements once they become unsightly, according to the department’s posted policy.
Cemetery Rules Under Tennessee Law
Tennessee law lets a cemetery’s owner make, adopt and enforce rules.
Those rules can cover the introduction and care of plants and shrubs within the grounds.
The owner can also set penalties for breaking a rule.
The rules are to be posted conspicuously and kept open to inspection and copying.
2. Easter and Mother’s Day Flowers
Elmwood Cemetery removes and discards all holiday flowers and decorations five days after Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day and Memorial Day.
Mother’s Day falls on a Sunday, so a bouquet you leave that day comes out on Friday.
The state’s veterans cemeteries allow potted plants and plants in baskets on a grave for only one week before and after Easter, Memorial Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
If you bring a potted plant outside those weeks, it isn’t allowed on the grave.
3. Christmas Wreaths and Grave Blankets
The state’s veterans cemeteries let you place Christmas wreaths and grave blankets on a grave starting December 1.
They will be removed no later than January 10, per the department’s posted policy.
Grave blankets can’t be larger than 2 feet by 3 feet.
Elmwood Cemetery doesn’t allow grave blankets at all.
Its major cleanup, starting January 15 each year, includes removing all Christmas, holiday and deteriorated flowers.
If you want to keep a wreath, take it home before either date.
4. Glass and Ceramic Keepsakes
Elmwood Cemetery doesn’t allow glass, porcelain or ceramic items on a grave.
Its policy says unapproved items will be removed and discarded “without warning,” at the cemetery’s discretion.
A porcelain figurine you leave there could be gone before your next visit.
The state’s veterans cemeteries list breakable objects among items not permitted on graves.
5. Solar and LED Lights
The state’s veterans cemeteries don’t allow vigil lights on graves.
Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville bans solar lights, according to rules posted by the City of Shelbyville.
Those rules reserve the right to remove anything at the cemetery’s discretion.
A solar lamp you leave at Willow Mount could be gone by your next visit.
Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis lists LED lights among items not permitted on graves.
Its policy says unapproved items will be removed and discarded at the cemetery’s discretion.
6. Toys and Trinkets
Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville doesn’t allow trinkets, toys, baskets, ornaments, food or beverages on a grave.
Elmwood Cemetery bans pinwheels and balloons, along with balloon releases.
Elmwood removes and discards anything beyond its approved list, so a pinwheel you leave at the headstone may be gone before your next visit.
At the state’s veterans cemeteries, pinwheels, balloons of any type and commemorative items aren’t permitted on graves.
7. Shrubs and Plantings
Estill Springs Cemetery bans planting of any kind, and the town’s posted rules say it will be removed upon discovery.
Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville bans planting flowers, shrubs, bushes or trees on or around grave sites.
Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis lists plantings among its items not permitted on graves.
The state’s veterans cemeteries don’t permit planting of any kind near or around a burial.
A rosebush you plant by your family’s headstone isn’t allowed at any of the four.
8. Fences, Rock and Mulch
Willow Mount Cemetery in Shelbyville cleans up a grave covered with rock, mulch or decorative stone at the owner’s or family’s expense.
The rules bar covering a grave with anything other than dirt, banners and flags included.
A fence, wall, hedge or ditch around any grave or lot is barred, yours included.
That includes a hedge you plant around a family plot.
The rules also reserve the right to remove anything at the cemetery’s discretion.
Notice by Certified Mail
Estill Springs Cemetery spells out a notice step for rule-breakers.
The town’s cemetery rules say violators will be notified by certified mail and have 30 days to fix the problem or file a written appeal.
The penalty is a $50 fine plus the cost of labor and materials.
Floral arrangements and decorations aren’t permitted during mowing season, March 15 through November 15.
They’re permitted for Easter, Memorial Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, the Fourth of July and Veterans Day if they’re removed within 14 days after the holiday.
A bouquet you bring to your family’s plot in August falls inside that mowing season.
Psst! How much do you know about Tennessee’s cemeteries? Take our quiz and see if you can ace it.
Quiz
Tennessee Cemetery Trivia
Answer these questions on Tennessee graveyards, national cemeteries and burial law. We bet you can’t get them all right. Prove us wrong?
Chattanooga National Cemetery was created by order of a Union general on which day?
Responsibility for Lost Items
Elmwood Cemetery says it isn't responsible for any items left at gravesites.
Its monument policy covers damage too, and the cemetery isn't responsible for damage to monuments, markers or other decorations for any reason.
If you have questions about items you'd like to bring, Elmwood lists an email address for its historian.
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