Owner Guidelines Care, Memorialization and Burial Rights
Woodlawn takes pride in maintaining our grounds to the highest standards possible. General maintenance of Woodlawn includes regular mowing and trimming of the grass as well as the care of trees and shrubs planted by the cemetery.
Lot owners are responsible for the care of memorials and plantings on their lots. Woodlawn offers special care for those lot owners who provide funds for annual care, the establishment of an endowment or the restoration of a memorial. To obtain an estimate for any of our special services, contact our administration department.
Care:
Annual Care Program
Lot owners will be billed once a year when they contract for special services performed by cemetery staff. These services include:
- Lot Care - higher frequency mowing, fertilization, leaf removal, seeding and watering as necessary
- Regrading and Sodding or Seeding - remove turf, spread new topsoil, sod or seed, fertilize and water as necessary
- Border Plantings - begonias, ivy or pachysandra planted and watered
- Trees and Bushes - ornamental shrubs and trees are planted, watered and guaranteed for one year
- Monument Work - reset or repoint mortar joints, cleaning
Charges are reviewed annually and may increase without notice. Prices are subject to the approval of the New York State Division of Cemeteries.
Contact our administration office to receive an estimate or to discuss designating Woodlawn in your will.
Endowments
Lot owners can establish an endowment with Woodlawn to ensure for the continued care of the lot. Endowments are held in a trust account set up by Woodlawn specifically to earn interest income to be used for selected services performed by cemetery staff. These services include:
- Lot Care - higher frequency mowing, fertilization, leaf removal, seeding and watering as necessary
- Regrading and Sodding or Seeding - remove turf, spread new topsoil, sod or seed, fertilize and water as necessary
- Border Plantings - begonias, ivy or pachysandra planted and watered
- Trees and Bushes - ornamental shrubs and trees are planted, watered and guaranteed for one year
- Monument Work - reset or repoint mortar joints, cleaning
Contact our administration office to receive an estimate or to discuss designating Woodlawn in your will.
Memorial Resetting, Cleaning and Repairs
Lot owners can pay for cemetery staff to provide the following services: monument resetting, repointing of mortar joints, exterior cleaning, interior cleaning of mausoleums and special repairs. Specialists are contracted by the cemetery to make repairs to stained glass, bronze and delicate stone.
Restoration
Lot owners can contract with the cemetery to secure estimates and manage restoration projects. When a lot or memorial has not received special care for many years, it may need considerable work. Woodlawn will obtain proposals from qualified contractors and conservators to make repairs to memorials, mausoleums and sculptures that need special attention.
Landscaping Services
Lot owners can contract with the cemetery to provide the following services for improvements to the grounds:
- Regrade and Sod or Seed - remove turf, spread new topsoil, sod or seed, fertilize and water as necessary
- Border Plantings - begonias, ivy or pachysandra planted and watered
- Trees and Bushes - ornamental shrubs and trees are planted, watered and guaranteed for one year
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Memorialization:
Seasonal Decorations
Lot owners can pay the cemetery to place the following floral tributes: spring - potted lilies, hyacinths or tulips; fall - potted chrysanthemums; winter - pine wreaths.
Temporary Decorations
Lot owners and visitors are welcome to bring floral decorations and other mementos to the cemetery. Decorations are removed when they become unsightly, infringe on neighboring property or cause damage to the memorial.
Memorial Foundations
Lot owners are required to contract with the cemetery for the construction of foundations for monuments and mausoleums. For foundation prices and approval procedures, ask your monument company to contact our administration department.
Redesigning Lot Space
Lot owners with large lots can work with the cemetery to redesign space to accommodate additional burials or cremated remains. This process requires the approval of all the current owners of the lot and payment of a nominal fee for staff time to survey and draft a new lot design.
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Burial Rights:
Designating or Transferring Space
Lot owners can specifically identify the individuals that can use remaining space in a lot, crypt or niche. They can also transfer burial rights to another individual if they are not planning to use available space. This process requires the approval of all current owners of the lot and a payment of a nominal fee for staff time associated with document preparation.
Donating or Selling Unused Space
Lot owners who do not plan to use their space or have no descendants interested in Woodlawn can consider selling or donating it to the cemetery. The resale of burial rights is regulated by the New York State Division of Cemeteries. Contact our administration department to learn more.
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Security Services:
Our security officers are stationed at the entrances of the cemetery to provide assistance with finding locations, coordinating services and providing transportation for lot owners that arrive by public transportation.
Note: The Adminstration Office is closed on Sundays and holidays, so please call ahead during normal operating hours (Monday - Saturday 8:30AM to 5PM) for burial locations, if visiting the cemetery on a Sunday or holiday.
