Question: What are the rules pertaining to the decoration of a loved one’s Cemetery lot at the New Ulm City Cemetery?

Ground flowers can be planted in the area provided for this purpose, which is generally in an area no larger than 12 inches wide by 30 inches long in front of a monument. In Soldier’s Rest and part of section 8, ground flowers are not allowed; rather, flowers can be placed in elevated stands or pots that are at least 18 inches off the ground with a minimum of 14-inch concrete base. Stands can be placed in the row of flat markers with one stand per two graves; in the case of a single internment one stand is allowed on the north side of the marker; in the case of cremations within Soldier’s Rest, stands or vases will be allowed to the west of marker row. Any vegetation can be removed by City staff if in their judgment they become unsightly, dangerous, detrimental, diseased, or do not conform to cemetery regulations.

Trees and shrubbery are not permitted on lots.

Floral frames, casket sprays and cut flowers can be placed on grave sites for funerals and special occasions but must be removed within five days or they will be removed by City staff.

Artificial flowers, flags and standards, may be placed two days before Mother’s Day. These decorations must then be removed within seven days after Memorial Day. Flags and standards may be placed the week before Memorial Day and removed two days after Flag Day. Lot owners may decorate for all other Holidays such as; Easter, Father’s Day, Veteran’s Day, Labor Day, birthdays, anniversaries, two days before and three days after.

Wreaths are allowed if they are attached to the monument or wooden stake 3″ above the ground.

Placing boxes, shells, toys, metal designs, ornaments, chairs, settees, glass, wood or iron cases, rocks and similar articles upon lots is not permitted and shall be removed.

All live flowers must be removed by October 1st and all decorations on lot sites must be removed by April 15th or they will be removed by City staff.

Copies of the Cemetery Rules and Regulations are available in the Cemetery Office Building or the Finance Department in City Hall.

If further assistance is needed contact the City Cemetery Staff at 507-359-8328, or Jeff Hoffmann, Public Works Superintendent at 507-359-8296.