US Top Gravedigger Reveals How To Dig A Perfect Grave

1. Wake up early

Image source/ TwitterWhen you're a top grave digger then one little piece of advice is that it's best to wake up first thing. This is because you can never guarantee the weather, and there are other things to take into consideration. It's good to confirm if there are any changes in the funeral times for example.

2. Find out who you are burying

Image source/ RedditNow, this is also advice from a top grave digger - and not something that every grave digger will do. But. it's important to find out about the person you are burying, know who they were as a person, and a bit about their story. Only that way can you really put true care into your work.

3. Make sure you consider their personal preferences

Image source/ RedditAs a top grave digger, the key is to really get to know the person you are burying. Only that way will the grave feel as though it has been made with care and thought. And, the grave differences can then take into consideration the preferences of the person, such as if they love flowers there may be a possibility to choose an area near flowers.

4. Put on some overalls

Image source/ RedditThis may sound simple, but it's essential. You're about to get down into the dirt. So, you need your waterproof overalls on. Because graves have to be dug all year around whether it's snow or rain. And, you'll be outside for a few hours so getting cold and wet at work cannot be an option.

5. Check the weather

Image source/ RedditBeing a grave digger you are at the mercy of the elements. And, the weather is changeable and it can be pretty extreme. Checking the weather makes all the difference. If it's cold or icy then it will take double the time. And, if it is very icy it can be better to wait until the ice has thawed out slightly by the midday sun.

6. Check the earth

Image source/ RedditSo now you have to check the earth. Because not only can the weather affect how the earth is, but also each patch of earth is different. Some are softened, and some are seemingly impenetrable. This will all vary on what tools you use or which you choose to dig.

7. Find the ideal spot

Image source/ YahooNow it's time to search for the ideal spot. Unfortunately, sometimes there is not much choice because the graveyard may be quite crowded and there may not be so much room. Other times, you can really take into account what they like and where would be best for them to be laid to rest.

8. Then clear the space

Image source/ Redditit's time to start, so before you start digging you need to clear the space. You can't just start digging straight away or it will only cause you problems further down the line. You have to clear the area so that there are not any rocks or sticks around the surface, giving you the freedom to shovel unobstructed.

9. Take a spray can and mark out the perimeter

Image source/ YahooSo first off, you have to take a can of aerosol, a spray can paint, so that you can mark the grass in front of you. This way, you know where you are going to dig. And, you know how large you have to dig it so that you don't end up with a grave that's too short, and so that you don't dig too much and waste your energy.

10. Cut along the lines of the grave

Image source/ MetroThen, take your spade and mark out the perimeters of the grave border with your spade. This means that you can then work inwards because after that you won't need to check where the lines are. It also means you are digging the correct shape which will make it easier in the end and ensure that you dig neatly.

11. Then neatly remove the turf

Image source/ PinterestNow if the area is grassy or has turf laid down you need to remove this. Because you don't want to cut straight through it. To do a good job, you can remove it neatly to replace it after. So, use an excavator on the grass and cut it in neat squares or patches as is convenient, then lay them out so that you can use them afterward.

12. ...And dig!

Image source/ blogspotDig! We've finally got to the actual digging stage, which is where it gets much harder. As a standard, you want the grave to be around 5 feet in depth. So did, but also take a measuring tape as you go and measure downwards to see how close you are to five feet, and then you know how much more you have to do.

13. Use all of your strength

Image source/ RedditThe key to digging according to the top grave digger is not just to dig using the force of your arms. Instead, use the strength from your entire body, right down to your legs. There's a real technique to digging - and it's not as easy as you might have thought!

14. Form neat piles of dirt

Image source/ RedditDo not just let the dirt fly anywhere. This will cause you 1ox more work afterward, when you have to clean it all up and shovel it into a wheel barrow. Form neat piles of dirt, or shovel straight into the wheel barrow. But, this will get harder the further down you dig so piles at the side is fine.

15. Then place the dirt into buckets

Image source/ DailyMailThen, you have to place all of the dirt either into buckets or into the wheelbarrow so that it can be transferred after. Doing this part well really will save you time after and it's something that the top US diggers do - place the earth all into buckets.

16. Now neaten up the shape

Image source/ RedditHaving a neat shape is crucial and it is what sets apart a top gravedigger from the rest. Because yes technically it has to be as large as the coffin. But, for the sake of the family it is important to make it look neat as though time and effort has gone into it - which it has!

17. And level out the bottom of the grave

Image source/ RedditSimilarly, you can't let the bottom of the grave stay messy. Not only will it look unprofessional and as though you have not taken enough care - it will also affect how the coffin lies on the ground. It if it not smooth then the coffin will not lie down flat.

18. Smooth the sides of the dug out area

Image source/ Redditsmooth the side of the grave to finish it off. Because what you do not want - is exactly what is shown in this picture. The thing that really makes the difference and one of the last thing involved in the actual creation of the grave is smoothing down the sides with the flat edge of the spade.

19. The grave depends on who is being buried

Image source/ RedditThe grave of course always depends on who is being buried. As a general rule the grave has to be about 7 feet long. However, this totally depends on whether this is a grave for an adult, a child, or a baby. It also depends on whether two people are being buried together - or even more.

20. Line the bottom of the grave

Image source/ RedditNow this part is something that the top grave diggers do. Because it does not actually affect the grave or the coffin at all. It is totally for the benefit of the psychology of the mourners. Lining the grave with carpet or saw dust or nature and leaves helps the family because they do not have to see the cold hard earth at the bottom.

21. Take the dirt to the side of the graveyard

Image source/ Redditremove all of that excess dirt that has gathered at the sides from digging. This cannot be on display as the mourners gather and the coffin is ready to be lowered into the earth. So, it has to be sent to the sides of the yard. Not discarded - because this will be needed to fill in the earth again.

22. Place turf around the sides of the grave

Image source/ RedditSo now once everything has been done in terms of the grave itself. it's now time to take care of the outside. So, collect the earth and then neatly ay the turf back over the ground so that it does not look as though the earth has been disturbed. Of course, do not fill in the hole that has been dug out or drop any earth inside!

23. Replant the plants

Image source/ Reddit, some plants may get disturbed or removed during the digging of the grave - of course bearing in mind where the graveyard or where the setting is. And this step of course is not essential. Yet it makes all the difference. Top diggers put these plants back to regrow again and let nature grow over the grave again.

24. Prepare the place where the coffin will rest

Image source/ RedditNow it is almost time for the coffin to be laid to rest. This part will not be overseen by you and you will leave for the ceremony. But first, you have to prepare the place for the coffin to rest. Set planks of wood at the side of the grave where the coffin will rest before it is lowered into the ground.

25. Cover the area

Image source/ RedditThe grave is all ready for the ceremony now so cover the grave up using a sheet of plastic to protect the area. Otherwise, if it rains it will ruin the grave. This way, the sheet will be removed before the ceremony starts and before the family arrive at the burial site.

26. Wait for the ceremony

Image source/ cbsThe next step is out of your hands and you will leave as you wait for the ceremony. For this part, you will not be present. The ceremony will happen and the loved ones of the deceased will gather around the grave and watch the grave lowered to the ground.

27. Return to cover the grave

Image source/ RedditOnce it is all done you will arrive back at the burial site and return to the grave. This happens very quickly after the funeral. You will cover the grave using all of the leftover dirt that you left at the side, making sure that the earth flat - not dipped or mounded.

28. Then, rearrange the grass over the grave

Image source/ RedditNow you've flattened the earth it is time to lay the grass back over the grave. After you've arranged the grass neatly there should not be clear signs that the earth has been disturbed. As a top grave digger, after this stage is done everything will appear as though it has barely been disturbed.

29. Arrange the headstone

Image source/ RedditThe headstone will be completed by another family, which will have been ordered by the family or the loved ones of the deceased. But, as a top grave digger - you'll have to arrange the headstone so that it sits at the top of the grave which has now been filled.

30. And now you've managed to dig the perfect grave!

Image source/ RedditNow you're all done, the job has been completed. But, the job is never really finished for long because unfortunately, graves are always necessary. So once you have finished with the previous steps, it is about time to make a start on digging your next grave...