What looks like almost nothing is wrong is the photo below. Notice how the stone is actually rising along with the growth of the offending cedar tree. The tree roots and trunk are actually raising the stone out of the ground. The only permanent fix for this is to remove the tree and then re level the grade and reset the stone. The stone work is minimal but the tree and root work can be extensive. This happens in most cemeteries. Ornamental shrubs and trees are planted but then not tended to for years and then the result is a large overgrown and unruly plant.
The next photo shows a perfect example of what I described as the iron pins that hold the stone upright on its base oxidizing. Over time, the pins rust and when they oxidize the pins expand and crack the stone. These pins must be removed, the stone repaired with Lithomex, and new stainless steel pins installed in place of the iron pins. Some times the stone will become rust colored where the pins are. It is as if the rust is bleeding through. This usually happens before the stone breaks.
The below photo shows a major causality. The stone is broken, is delaminating, and is also sugared. It appears that much of the face of the stone where the inscription was has completely flaked off. This type of work is to be left to a professional gravestone conservator. At the same time, it also could be a lost cause. The stone can be put back together but the inscription is gone. Who was this person?
The repair that was a great idea but done incorrectly is below. The side brackets would never last; especially with the angle of the leaning tablet.
Finally the next photo is the stone of a distant cousin. The stone is obviously in much need of repair but this should be a relatively easy repair if all of the pieces are present. I look forward to this work in the upcoming Spring. When a stone that is damaged as such is restored; it is a huge sense of accomplishment when it is put back together and standing upright as it did 100 plus years ago.
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