Caring for a grave is one way to honour the memory of a loved one. But even a simple clean-up takes time and preparation: leaves need to be collected, weeds removed, the headstone wiped down and flowers watered. Planning your visit and bringing the necessary supplies will make the work much easier.
We have put together some practical tips for those who look after a grave themselves.
Allow Enough Time and Wear Comfortable Clothing
Try to plan your visit so you will not have to rush. The time needed depends on the size of the plot, the season and how long it has been since the grave was last maintained. There is usually more work after winter or a long gap between visits than with regular care.
Wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting dirty, along with closed-toe shoes. Bring work gloves and, if you have other plans after your visit, a change of shoes and clothes.
In warm weather, bring drinking water and a hat. A small gardening kneeling pad can make weeding and other tasks close to the ground more comfortable.
Be Prepared for Insects
Mosquitoes can make working in shaded areas uncomfortable. During the warmer months, pack insect repellent and use it according to the instructions. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing with long sleeves can also make your visit more comfortable.
Inspect the plot before you start cleaning. If there are ant nests near the flower bed or fence, keep them in mind when weeding or working close to the ground.
Bring the Essential Tools
Not every cemetery provides tools for shared use, so it is best to prepare a small kit in advance:
- a compact rake for gathering leaves and levelling the surface material;
- a hand trowel for planting flowers and removing weeds;
- secateurs or garden shears;
- a soft brush and cloths for the headstone;
- work gloves;
- rubbish bags or a sturdy reusable bag for collecting waste;
- a watering can or water container.
Do not overfill the bags: wet leaves, soil and plant waste can be quite heavy. Take waste to the designated bins and follow the cemetery’s waste-sorting rules.
If the plot has grass or a hedge, you will need suitable trimming tools. Choose them according to the amount of work and check that batteries are charged if you use cordless equipment.
Plan Ahead for Watering
Before your visit, check whether water is available at the cemetery. This is especially important in early spring and late autumn, when the seasonal water supply may be turned off.
If you plan to plant flowers, make sure you have water for them after planting. Choose plants that suit the conditions of the plot: how sunny it is, how quickly the soil dries out and how often you can visit.
Take empty bottles, water containers and tools with you when you leave. If you would like to store equipment on the grounds, check with the cemetery administration first.
Clean the Headstone Gently
The cleaning method depends on the headstone’s material and condition. For ordinary dust and light dirt, start with clean water and a soft cloth. Avoid applying excessive pressure, especially around inscriptions, portraits and decorative details.
Do not use wire brushes or abrasive materials: they can damage the surface. Any cleaning product must be suitable for the specific type of stone.
If there is moss, stubborn build-up, cracking or flaking, do not try to remove everything by scrubbing hard. In these cases, consult a specialist about the appropriate care method.
Plan Inscription Restoration as a Separate Task
Repainting the lettering on a headstone is delicate work that is difficult to do well as part of a routine clean-up. The surface needs to be prepared, and the paint must be suitable for both the headstone material and the existing coating.
If the inscription has faded, cracks have appeared around the letters or the old coating is peeling, assess the condition of the stone first. Unsuitable paint and rushed application can lead to drips and an uneven finish.
Check the Plot Before You Leave
Once you have finished, collect your tools, packaging and any remaining rubbish. Check that newly planted flowers have been watered and that you have not left behind gloves or secateurs.
Take a few photographs of the whole plot. These will help you assess its condition before your next visit and share the results with relatives who cannot visit themselves.
If Caring for the Grave Yourself Is Difficult
Distance, a busy schedule or health concerns can make regular cemetery visits difficult. In this situation, you can entrust the care of the grave to professionals.
Angelio provides grave care at cemeteries across Ida-Virumaa: in Narva, Jõhvi, Kohtla-Järve, Sillamäe and the surrounding areas. You can arrange a one-off clean-up or regular seasonal care, as well as additional services such as flower planting, headstone cleaning and inscription restoration.
We will carefully tend to the grave so that, when you visit, you can spend a quiet moment remembering your loved one.
Discuss grave care and place an order.