FAQs

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At Harris Grave Tending, we provide a range of services to maintain and restore graves:

• Headstone and Grave Cleaning: Using specialist products that protect the stone and remove natural growth, dirt, moss, and droppings.
   
• Grave Tidying: Removal of weeds, old flowers, and debris; grass trimming; sharp edges to your flowerbed; washing of pots and other decorative items; addition of seasonal bedding plants.
   
• Headstone Letter Restoration: Repainting and regilding of faded or flaking headstone inscriptions to restore clarity.
   
• Lead Letter Repair: Repairing broken or missing lead letters to restore inscriptions.
   
• Memorial Repointing: Replacing old grout to update the appearance and secure joints.
   

All work is carried out on-site, and most projects can be completed in one day.

We are based in Chichester in West Sussex and operate across the South of England, including Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire, Wiltshire and the New Forest.  Some of the towns and cities we cover are listed below:

• Aldershot
• Andover
• Arundel
• Ascot
• Basingstoke
• Bognor Regis
• Bournemouth
• Brighton
• Burgess Hill
• Chichester
• Cranleigh
• Crawley
• Eastbourne
• Eastleigh
• Emsworth
• Epsom
• Esher
• Fareham
• Farnborough
• Farnham
• Fleet
• Godalming
• Gosport
• Guildford
• Havant
• Hayling Island
• Hayward Heath
• Haslemere
• Horndean
• Horsham
• Hove
• Lancing
• Lewes
• Littlehampton
• Lymington
• Midhurst
• New Forest
• Petersfield
• Petworth
• Portsmouth
• Pulborough
• Salisbury
• Seaford
• Shoreham
• Southampton
• Storrington
• Waterlooville
• Weybridge
• Witterings
• Winchester
• Worthing
• Woking

Our pricing is competitive and depends on the specific service.  We cost each grave individually from your pictures.

• Headstone Cleaning: From £99.
   
• One-off Full Grave Clean and Tidy: From £129.
   
• Headstone Lettering/Inscription Restoration: From £199.
   
• Lead Letter Repair: From £30.

Please note that prices are dependent on the size, condition, and material of the headstone or monument.

Yes, we offer both one-off services and regular maintenance plans, including affordable monthly payment options.

We use specialist cleaning products that do not harm the gravestone. All tools are non-metallic, and we use only soft bristle brushes to ensure no damage. 

Yes, we always provide before and after pictures as a record of our visit. 

While we strive to clean all types of headstones and monuments, some wear and tear, stains, and decay may remain, especially if the memorial is very old, has been poorly maintained, or is constructed of a particularly porous stone.

No, we do not install fences or borders around graves, as these are generally not permitted in cemeteries or churchyards. 

You can book a service through our website's Book Now page or contact us directly via email at harrisgravetending@outlook.com or call us at 07905 065131.

Yes, in most cases, formal permission is required, especially when working in cemeteries.

• For churchyards, we will notify the church, but this is usually just a formality.
   
• For cemeteries, a Permit Application Form is typically required. This must be signed by the Grave Owner(s) who hold the Exclusive Right of Burial.
   

If the registered grave owner is no longer alive, the Exclusive Right of Burial does not automatically transfer to the next of kin. It must be formally reassigned through the Cemetery Office before we can proceed with any work. You may be able to transfer the grave rights to a family member, but this process must be completed in advance.

We want to be transparent about this from the start, as it can affect scheduling.

✅ We handle the permit application and submission process for you.
 

Cemeteries usually charge a fee for the permit. This cost is included in our quote, and we do our best to keep it accurate. Please note that some cemeteries update their fees annually, often in January or April, so prices may occasionally change.

No, we do not ask for full payment up front. We only require a 25% deposit, which is due the day before your visit. The remaining balance is payable within 7 days after the work is completed.

No, all work is carried out on site. We do not remove memorials from cemeteries or churchyards. This ensures minimal disruption and compliance with cemetery regulations.

Most of our services are completed in one day. Larger renovation projects may take a little longer—up to a couple of days—depending on the scale and condition of the memorial.

Yes, we will provide you with a booking date in advance and do everything we can to stick to it. On the day of the visit, you’ll receive before and after photos via email, usually in the evening.

Only if we have your explicit permission. We respect your privacy and will never use photos of your grave or memorial for marketing purposes unless you’ve clearly agreed to it.