Edgell Grove Trustees Introduce Memorial Tree Program

By Ashlyn Kelly

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FRAMINGHAM – A memorial tree planting program has been created for historic Edgell Grove Cemetery in Framingham.

The program was created after more than 130 mainly dead trees and tree stumps had to be removed from the historic cemetery located off Grove Street.

Edgell Grove Cemetery Trustee Dennis Cardiff said the number of memorial trees allowed to be planted is currently set at 100 trees, but the program could be expanded in the future, as additional trees need to be replaced on the 50-acre site. 

The program is open to anyone who wants to pay for the planting of a new Memorial Tree or who want to memorialize an individual with an existing tree in the cemetery. The trees, once purchased, will be owned and maintained by the Edgell Grove Cemetery.

Granite markers, which measure 2 feet by 1 foot, can be installed at each tree, at an additional cost. Edgell Grove Cemetery will install the markers.

Applicants also can propose a location for a new tree to be planted in the cemetery, but the location decision must be approved by the Superintendent of the Edgell Grove Cemetery.

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Applicants can request a tree without a marker. In this case, the applicant will receive a certificate a “photographic record” of the tree, according to the City of Framingham – Edgell Grove Cemetery – Memorial Tree Planting Policy document. 

The prices for a Memorial Tree are:

Plant Memorial Tree with marker: $1,100

Memorialize Existing Tree with marker: $850

Memorialize Existing Tree: $500

Completed applications along with payment are due by March 10 for the spring planting season and September 10 for the fall planting season. 

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The applications will be approved at the next scheduled meeting of the Edgell Grove Cemetery Trustees. Once applications are approved, staff will be in contact to confirm the text on the plaque and provide an estimated completion time. 

Spring planting will occur between April 1 to May 15. Fall planting will occur from Oct. 1 to Nov. 15. 

The cemetery will provide one replacement Memorial Tree should the tree die or become significantly damaged. 

Those who wish to purchase a memorial tree can email the office manager at the Cemetery for an official application at mleporati@framinghamma.gov

According to its website, Edgell Grove Cemetery was consecrated in 1848 and “was designed to unite and shape the rolling landscapes into a country cemetery for the living and a reminder of the pastoral landscapes of Framingham Centre.”

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The goals of the memorial tree program are:

• To establish a consistent approach in responding to requests from prospective parties, for
  the planting and designation of Memorial Trees within The Edgell Grove Cemetery and its
  annexes present and future.
• To implement a process for staff to administer and coordinate on behalf of the Board of
  Trustees in the planting and/or designation of Memorial Trees within The Edgell Grove
  Cemetery and its annexes present and future.
• To provide a suitable list of plant material from which to select, including the applicable
  fees charged to provide this service.
• To establish the limits of the Edgell Grove Cemetery’s obligations in the planting,
  establishment and ongoing condition of Memorial Trees.
• To establish a formal recording and document maintenance of Memorial Trees being
  planted.
• To ensure that the Memorial Trees remain in a healthy growing condition at the designated
  planting sites.

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Ashlyn Kelly is a Spring 2022 SOURCE intern. She is a is a senior communication arts major with minors in political science and journalism at Framingham State University. When she is not writing an article, you can usually find her in a theatre.