Preparing burial sites in winter comes with its own set of challenges
Cold weather always brings its own set of challenges. What you might not realize is how it impacts burial preparations.
It takes hours in the frigid cold to get graves ready for a funeral. Albany Rural Cemetery has a team that prepares a person’s final resting place.
As the grounds superintendent, Michael Hudson is in charge of the dig. He has been on the job for 21 years. The unpredictable change in weather is one of the biggest setbacks, he said.
“You’re dealing with a lot of weather; snow, sleet, ice, freezing/frigid cold weather,” Hudson said.
The crew has been working in below-freezing temperatures this week.
“We have to add more people to digging the graves, prepping for it.”
The crew needs to wipe off the snow and clear six inches of frost. The dirt is also frozen. A 90-pound jackhammer helps tremendously. Then, an excavator is used to finish the job. It’s physically demanding work that can take anywhere from 45 minutes to three to four hours.
General manager of the cemetery, Tim Diamond, said it’s why burials tend to cost more during winter months.
“It takes its toll on the equipment, it takes its toll on our staff,” said Diamond. “You need backup, you need guys to help out. That will increase the cost of the burial at the end of the day.”
Diamond, Hudson, and the rest of the crew handle each dig with care.
“They can say goodbye to a loved one at their resting spot. That makes us feel good,” Hudson said.
“It’s the last goodbye for the family. Saying goodbye to their loved ones. You want everything perfect,” Diamond said.