Vassalboro cemetery committee addresses trees, again

by Mary Grow

Keeping gravestones and cemetery monuments safe, especially from falling trees and tree limbs, and repairing stones that are damaged, from whatever cause, were again discussion topics at the Vassalboro Cemetery Committee’s Nov. 17 meeting.

Town Manager Aaron Miller has issued a second request for proposals for assessments of trees in selected cemeteries. The cemeteries listed for review are Nichols, Oak Grove, Priest Hill, Union, Webber Pond and Weeks. The deadline for proposals is Dec. 1.

Earlier this year, several residents attended meetings to argue for keeping trees in cemeteries, primarily because they make the grounds attractive.

Committee members agreed that clear-cutting cemeteries should be avoided whenever possible; but trees that threaten to fall on or drop branches on stones need to go. Committee member David Jenney added that removing a tree that threatens stones is more cost-effective than repeatedly pruning it.

Chairman Savannah Clark pointed out that experts base assessments on a point system, not a perhaps-subjective opinion that a tree is healthy or not.

Earlier this year, several residents attended meetings to argue for keeping trees in cemeteries, primarily because they make the grounds attractive. Residents are welcome at all committee meetings; but, member Cara Kent asked, if the committee has an expert’s opinion that a tree is not healthy and residents object to removing it, will committee members heed the objection?

Clark replied that objections supported by evidence would not be ignored.

Returning to another suggestion from earlier meetings, committee members talked briefly about decorative plantings – lilacs, for example – that, with proper maintenance, would be attractive and not harmful.

Clark presented a draft 2025-26 budget, and said the committee is allowed to spend interest from cemetery trust funds, with select board approval. The amount available is currently about $24,000.

Options for using some of the interest included contributing to beautification projects, perhaps sharing costs with volunteers; acquiring land for additional burial sites, if there is a need; or providing training for lot owners who do their own stone repairs.

Clark and Jody Kundreskas endorsed the training idea, however it is funded. Clark knows at least one stone that was destroyed by improper repair work.

Committee members approved Clark’s proposed budget. It will be reviewed by select board and budget committee members next spring and a final version submitted to voters at the June 2025 town meeting.

Another issue was how to inform residents about the number of cemeteries in Vassalboro and the amount of work needed to maintain them.

Jenney said the town is responsible for general maintenance, like mowing, tree management and keeping paths safe and gates operating, and for veterans’ graves. For other graves, he said, the lot owner – when still known – is responsible for stone maintenance (including legibility), flowers or other decorations and trimming shrubs.

Committee members are not sure how many cemeteries Vassalboro has. The town website connects to Find a Grave, which lists 25; Clark mentioned 27, and said there may be others “in the woods.”

The next Vassalboro Cemetery Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, Dec. 15.