Forest Dale Cemetery spring cleanup, regulations

The Forest Dale Cemetery began its spring cleanup on April 21, 2025. Water faucets will be turned on in mid-late May.

The “Garden Area” surrounding monuments/markers is defined as the length of your monument/marker not to exceed 10 inches in width from the front of the base of the monument/marker. This is the only area that decorations, flowers or adornments may be placed. You may not place anything on the sides or back of your monument/marker. The Cemetery is not responsible for items that are lost, stolen or damaged. Personal items and the maintenance of the “Garden Area” are the sole responsibility of the plot owner.

⚬ All flowers are preferred to be planted in the ground. Pots or planter boxes are allowed as long as they do not exceed the Garden Area.

⚬ Artificial or silk flower arrangements are allowed in the Garden Area only. Any artificial flowers exceeding the Garden Area will be removed without notice.

⚬ Standard size flags (12″ x 18″ x 30″ tall) are allowed in the Garden Area only and may not exceed 30″ in height from the ground. Any flag/banner larger than the specified size will be removed without notice.

⚬ Standard size banners (12″ x18″ x 36″ tall) are allowed in the Garden Area only and may not exceed 36″ in height from the ground. Any banner larger than the specified size will be removed without notice.

⚬ Trinkets, personal items, solar lights, etc. are allowed only in the Garden Area. Anything exceeding the Garden Area will be removed without notice.

⚬ Headstone saddle baskets are allowed on the top of your monument/marker. Nothing is to be erected or placed on the sides or back of your monument/marker.

⚬ Small stones, coins or any remembrance items from a visit may be left on your monument/marker.

Visitors are welcome to visit Forest Dale Cemetery between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. seven days a week. The Forest Dale Cemetery main office is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday except for holidays. Visitors may visit the Salem Street Cemetery between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. weekdays. If the gates are locked, please contact the Forest Dale Office at 150 Forest St. at 781-397-7191. It is recommended to contact the office in advance should you travel from any distance.

Not allowed at monument/markers

⚬ No fencing of any kind is allowed anywhere on the site, including the Garden Area. It will be removed without notice.

⚬ No borders of any kind are allowed on the site, including rock borders, stone borders or dividers, including in the Garden Area. Any type of border will be removed without notice.

⚬ No shrubs, trees, perennials, rose bushes, etc. are allowed. Annual flowers are the only plantings acceptable. All others will be removed without notice.

⚬ Open flames, including lanterns or candles, are not allowed.

For a complete set of cemetery regulations, please visit https://www.cityofmalden.org/177/Cemetery or call 781-397-7191.