Why I Rake the Family Graves Every Fall (and What the Leaves Do to Stone)

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Last October, I drove three hours to a little cemetary in upstate New York to photograph my great-grandmother’s headstone. Found it under a foot of wet maple leaves. Looked like a compost pile. I’d brought my usual kit — soft brush, water sprayer, and a bottle of D/2. But I hadn’t planned on the leaves. Took me twenty minutes just to clear them by hand. My fingers were freezing. Worth it though, because once I got the stone cleaned, the inscription read clear as day: ‘Beloved Mother, 1887–1921.’ That afternoon, I made a promise to myself: every fall, I’d rake the family graves before the real cold hit. And I’ve kept it.

Leaves don’t just look messy. They wreck stone. Slowly, quietly, but for real. Moisture gets trapped underneath, tannic acids leach out, and lichen or moss gets a foothold. I’ve seen a sandstone marker from the 1860s that was basically flaking apart under a layer of oak leaves. Could’ve been saved if someone had bothered to clear it. So yeah, raking is seasonal care. And it matters more than most people think.

Here’s what I’ve learned from doing this every fall for the last twelve years. Pack a good rake, or just use your hands — whatever gets the debris off. Don’t wait until spring. Do it now.

A Few Tools I Actually Use

I’m not sponsored by anyone. This is just what works for me.

• Plastic leaf rake: True Temper 22-inch. Lightweight, won’t scratch.
• Gardening gloves: Wells Lamont leather-palmed. Grips wet leaves.
• Pump sprayer: Chapin 2-gallon. Holds enough water for several stones.
• Soft brush: A 4-inch nylon bristle brush from the art supply store. Cheap and gentle.
• D/2 Biological Solution: Buy it online. Expensive, but a little goes a long way. Kills lichen and moss without harming stone.

That’s my whole kit. Fits in a small tote bag. Total cost around sixty dollars. Worth every penny.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I clear leaves off a grave in autumn?

A: Once a week is ideal if the tree above is a heavy shedder like an oak or maple. But honestly, even once in late October and once in late November will prevent most damage. The key is to do it before heavy snow and rain set in. I do it twice: mid-October and early November.

Q: Can I use a leaf blower on a headstone?

A: I wouldn’t. Leaf blowers can kick up dust and small rocks that hit the stone. Plus, the air stream can dislodge loose flakes of weathered stone. Stick to hand raking or gentle brushing. Safer and quieter.

Q: What if the leaves are frozen to the stone?

A: Leave them alone until they thaw. Trying to pry frozen leaves off can pull off surface material. Wait for a day above freezing, then rake gently. If they’re stuck with ice, just let nature take it's course. A few days won’t kill the stone.

Q: Do I need to clean the stone after raking leaves?

A: Not necessarily. If the stone looks clean after raking, just leave it. But if there’s a slimy film or dark staining, spray it with water and give it a light scrub with a soft brush. For biological growth like moss, use a pH-neutral cleaner like D/2. Don’t use soap or bleach.

Q: Will raking disturb the grass or ground around the grave?

A: If you’re gentle, no. I rake only the surface leaves and avoid digging into the soil. For sunken graves, be extra carefull — the ground can be soft. I’ve had a rake sink into a hidden depression before. Spooked me. So go slow and light.