Planting & Decoration Regulations
at Cypress Hills Cemetery
A few regulations to keep the grounds serene and beautiful for visitors year round
Planting Area - All decorations and plantings (including those listed below) must remain within the planting area—that is, the area of 16” in front of the monument. Please refrain from digging into the turf in other areas, as this will result in an unsightly appearance of the lot/grave when plantings/decorations are removed. Sentimental items as well as glass, ceramic or fragile items are not permitted to be placed due to risk of theft and damage. Items should be no higher than the height of the monument in upright monument sections and no higher than 18” in flat marker sections.
You are limited to three items to be placed or planted within the planting area
Borders — Only cemetery-offered flower borders may be placed on the planting area.
Outside borders, fencing, edging or similar are not permitted to be placed on the gravesite.
It is the responsibility of the lot owner to maintain the inside of a cemetery-offered flower border.
Fresh Flowers/Artificial flowers — Both are permitted in the Cemetery. The Cemetery will remove such flowers should they become unsightly. The cemetery is not responsible for flowers that are damaged during routine maintenance of the grounds.
No pinwheels or similar items are not permitted in the cemetery.
Decorations not complying with Rules— Cemetery employees work in various sections of the cemetery on a regular basis. As part of their responsibilities, they maintain the beauty and safety of the cemetery. As instructed by the Rules and Regulations, to ensure their safety of all who visit the cemetery,
Items not in compliance are subject to be removed without notice.
Wind and Theft—Decorations may also be removed by either of these causes. When items are blown about, the grounds crew has no choice but to dispose of them as replacement at specific sites is not possible. Because cemeteries are open to the public, we cannot guarantee that decorations will be protected from damage or loss and the cemetery accepts no liability for these items.
Vases—Any vases or other objects holding water must be removed from the Cemetery from May 1st—October 31st due to the West Nile Virus and as per NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene under article 151.03 of the New York City Health Code. The vase will be discarded without notice. All other containers that hold water are strictly prohibited.
Flags– These items may be placed on the grave year-round within 16” of the monument, but they will be removed when they become unsightly, or if the grass needs to be trimmed. Flags must not exceed the height of 2 feet.
Funeral flowers – Funeral flowers placed on a grave following a burial will be removed between 3-5 days following the burial dependent on weather conditions.
