Beginning March 4, City of Brighton cemetery staff will begin the annual Spring Cleanup. To make way for cemetery maintenance like mowing, aerating and overseeding, staff will remove decorations from graves out of respect to those laid to rest and their families and friends.  

Nothing affixed to the headstone itself will be taken, except for glass. Please note that all glass items will be removed, regardless of whether they are affixed to a headstone, to abide by safety measures put in place by City Municipal Code.  

All items that are removed will be collected and placed around a tree in the area where a loved one is buried. Beginning March 12, staff will properly dispose of the items. 

Decorations will be picked up on a weekly basis from March 4 until Nov. 15 if they are not in a secure vase on the base of a monument, or attached to the monument.  

Placement of fresh-cut and artificial sprays and wreaths on gravesites shall be allowed from seven days before Memorial Day, to seven days following Memorial Day, beginning with the holiday. Families may place decorations for Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Halloween, two days before the holiday and the decorations remain for seven days, beginning with the holiday. Decorations shall be removed before these ending dates if they become unsightly or detrimental. 

Cemetery staff appreciate the community’s cooperation in helping to ensure the City’s cemeteries are well kept to properly honor those who have been laid to rest. 

If you have questions, please contact Rhiannon Natali, Brighton Cemetery Manager, at rnatali@brightonco.gov or 303-655-2090.