—Daily Freeman-Journal file photo The City of Webster City is reminding residents that the spring cleanup removal at Graceland and Foster’s Baby Addition cemeteries begins April 1.

The City of Webster City would like to remind residents that the spring cleanup removal will start on April 1 at Graceland and Foster’s Baby Addition Cemeteries. It is requested that all flower boxes, wreaths, decorations, and flowers (this includes items in above-ground fixtures-saddles, vases, planters, Shepherd hooks) be removed before April 1. If these items are not removed they will be picked up and disposed of by the Cemetery staff.

“We started this about 20 years ago on the decoration removal because before that it was interpretive of whatever looks bad we will take it out,” said Webster City Recreation and Public Grounds Director Kent Harfst. “Well, what looks bad to you might differ from what looks bad to me – like if there’s an artificial decoration that is faded – it’s a lot more objective.”

After April 20 persons will be permitted to place flowers and other decorations on above-ground fixtures (i.e., saddles, vases, planters, Shepherd hook type hangings as long as they do not interfere with mowing/trimming). All decorations that will be placed on the ground will not be permitted until nine days prior to Memorial Day (this year after May 18- May 28 is Memorial Day). The post Memorial Day removal of flowers (placed on the ground) will begin on June 10.

“From April 1 to 20, we just want everything taken out and then after that, you can put it back,” Harfst said. “Then after May 18, you can put stuff on the ground too.”

In addition, the United States’ flags placed on the Veteran’s graves will be removed at this time. New flags will be placed on Veteran’s graves in time to observe Memorial Day.

Please direct any questions to Graceland Cemetery at 832-9125.