Update Sept. 21, 2026
Starting the week of Monday, Sept. 21, crews will begin removing trees infected with oak wilt from the Boerne Cemetery.
This was first announced in January in the article below enhancements and safety improvements coming to the cemetery.
Original Story: Jan. 16, 2026
A quiet place of reflection on Boerne’s north side, Boerne Cemetery has long served as a source of comfort for families and a lasting link to the community’s history.
“For nearly 6,200 people, the cemetery is their final resting spot,” Parks and Recreation Director Lissette Jimenez said. “Now is the time to ensure the long-term stability of the space.”
As an open green space within the City, the maintenance and perpetual care of the cemetery fall to members of the Parks and Recreation Department.
For generations the six-acre site has welcomed families to pay their final respects, share an anniversary, or honor a special day. The City purchased the property in 1867 for $1 and assumed tracking and managing the purchasing of plots in 2011.
With thousands of annual visitors, the time has come for some thoughtful and long-term improvements to the grounds.
Beginning in spring 2026, City crews will conduct a comprehensive assessment and inventory of every headstone in the cemetery. The initial phase of the project will focus on identifying markers that need to be leveled or resecured to address safety concerns. Crews will also be removing dozens of trees affected by oak wilt.
“The safety of every visitor is paramount,” Jimenez said. “This work allows us to care for the cemetery with the same level of integrity and excellence we strive for across all City facilities.”
As part of the effort, the City will also begin enforcing existing ordinances that regulate items left at gravesites. These rules are intended to maintain the cemetery’s appearance, protect the grounds, and ensure safe access for visitors and maintenance crews.
During the inventory, crews will note items such as:
- Objects hung from trees
- Small trinkets on the ground
- Real and synthetic flowers
- Non-permitted benches
- Decorative lighting
- Masonry and other material used for borders
Approximately 10-12 percent of the memorials are likely to be impacted, Jimenez said. To help with the transition, letters announcing the updates are being sent to every record on file, and staff will be keeping the mementoes for 30 days after collection so families can retrieve them at their earliest convenience from the Parks administration office at 1017 Adler Street.
Once the initial inventory is complete, crews will begin adding a monthly collection day for all unauthorized items. The change is intended to improve the appearance of the grounds, reduce debris caused by wildlife, and allow crews to more efficiently mow and maintain the site.
Jimenez says the improvements are part of a broader commitment to honoring the past through respectful, responsible care of public spaces and ensuring the cemetery remains a dignified and welcoming place for generations to come.
