It’s almost time for spring cleanup, and Boothbay Region Cemetery District reminds residents to tidy plot decorations to ease ground maintenance. 

Artificial flowers and decorations are allowed on gravesites between Oct. 1 and March 31, according to district bylaws. Landscaping services won't remove any decorations unless they are damaged during this time.  

President Sara Fahnley hopes to adjust the bylaws to allow artificial flowers year-round. “People can't afford flowers every week, and they can't go to the cemetery every week.” 

Additional regulations include: 

No planting shrubs or trees. This is because the roots of large plants can disturb and even pull headstones up from the ground, said Fahnley. Plants with shallow root systems, that don’t spread (such as geraniums), are permitted.  

Dogs are not allowed due to cleanliness issues.