Why is my loved ones grave sinking?

It can take about six months or more before a grave will settle. The ground is prone to wash out during heavy rains. We understand it can be concerning to see washed out spaces around a loved ones grave. The excavation of a grave, or any other reasonable size hole, results in the loosening of the excavated material. When soil is replaced into a grave, it will inevitably contain more air pockets than the compacted soil before excavation. Over time, a backfilled grave will 'sink' as the air pockets escape and the soil settles; this is absolutely natural and practically unavoidable, especially in wet weather. 

Please call our office and notify us so we can have our cemetery crew go and fill in any spaces to assist in the settling process.

Ph. 281-592-2667

Show All Answers

1. Why is my loved ones grave sinking?
2. I want to put a headstone at my loved ones grave. What is the process?
3. Does the City buy back spaces that have been purchased?
4. Can I spread family cremains on top of other family grave spaces?
5. My loved ones headstone is sinking. What should I do?
6. Can I place a bench at my loved ones grave?
7. Can I plant a tree/bush at my loved ones grave?