The city of Lawrence will begin a thorough cleaning of cemeteries after Memorial Day.

Beginning June 4, cemetery personnel at Oak Hill, Maple Grove and Memorial Park cemeteries will remove flowers and decorations covering the lots.

At Oak Hill and Maple Grove, only decorations touching the ground will be removed. At Memorial Park, all decorations will be removed.

Those who wish to put out new flowers or decorations after the maintenance of the grounds may do so beginning June 11. The new decorations must be placed within 6 inches of the marker or headstone and shepherd hooks or hanging baskets are not allowed.

City officials also urge those displaying decorations of financial or sentimental worth to be cautious.

“Pay attention when placing anything of value in a public place,” said Mitch Young, park districts supervisor for the city.