Exploring Almost Forgotten Gravesites in the Great State of Ohio

Dedicated to cemetery preservation in the great state of Ohio


"A cemetery may be considered as abandoned when all or practically all of the bodies have been Removed therefrom and no bodies have been buried therein for a great many years, and the cemetery has been so long neglected as entirely to lose its identity as such, and is no longer known, recognized and respected by the public as a cemetery. 1953 OAG 2978."

Friday, April 5, 2019

Bad things can happen to good trees -- But, as we know trees are not always good friends to cemeteries - The level of care for trees may tell us why.

This news article in our local "Sun Newspapers" caught my eye this morning.:
by Mr. John Palmer
 We have seen posts and comments on cemetery preservation websites and Facebook pages stating the need for adopting appropriate landscaping pratices that benefit the trees and the cemeteries. 
As we have come to learn, however, trees are not always friends to cemeteries and especially the gravestones that dot the cemetery landscape. 
There is a lot to learn!
Hopefully, this guest column will help us better understand how taking care of trees properly, and the importance of consulting with true experts in the field, will pay off in the long run for the trees to have and keep better health and longevity. This article is a good beginning for many of us to learn more about this subject.
Sharing from the Ohio Chapter International Society of Arboriculture in reply to a message sent to them about cemeteries and issues they can have with trees. 
These suggestions may not apply for every cemetery's particular situation or type of ownership, but the information is helpful to have on hand. :
"One recommendation is your local village or city and their tree commission. I am not an arborist but I serve on my village tree commission and we are heavily involved in the needs of the cemetery including pruning and planting. We are blessed that we also have an ISA Certified Arborist who volunteers on that committee. With larger cemeteries, you can sometimes find a local tree care company who will do the work for free or greatly reduced as a community service. You might want to check with some in your area. 
Additionally, I would encourage your readers to serve on their local tree commission. 
If they aren't sure if there is one, then they should contact the city or village administrative office."
Dixie Russell, Executive Director
 Link below to find an arborist in your area.:
(Photos above from Linda Jean Limes Ellis
June 21, 2014
Elmwood Cemetery, Lorain, Ohio
following a windstorm the day before.
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Photo below from South Murray Ridge Cemetery
Lorain County, Ohio
June 1, 2016)