Blackland Prairie Heave

Plano sits on deep Blackland Prairie dirt. This soil is aggressive. It acts like a hydraulic jack.

Rain swells the ground tight. Then summer heat shrinks it until deep cracks open up. This constant motion snaps concrete footers like twigs. Monuments tilt or slide off level. Adding topsoil is a waste; the cracks just swallow it. For permanent tombstone repair and restoration, we dig past the active clay. We install a friction pile of angular gravel. This absorbs the ground movement so the stone stays level.

Irrigation Calcium Glaze

Lawns here are kept green. Sprinklers run constantly. The local water is hard.

The water hits the hot stone and steams off instantly. It leaves behind a hard white glaze of calcium. This "scale" fuses to the granite. Scrapers scratch the stone. We use chelating agents for cleaning stone gravestones. These chemicals dissolve the mineral bond so the white crust washes off.

Crepe Myrtle Sap

Crepe Myrtles line the cemeteries here. They look good, but they drop a sticky mist called "honeydew."

This sap coats the markers. Then black mold grows on the sugar. It looks like tar and sets like varnish. Standard soap won't cut it. We use alkaline cleaners as part of our grave site cleaning services. These break down the sugar bond so the grime rinses away.

Red Clay Staining

The dirt here is rich in iron. When heavy rain splashes mud on the base, it leaves a rust-red stain.

It looks like the stone is bleeding. If you try to bleach it, you set the stain permanently. We use specialized iron removers. They lift the rust color out of the stone pores without damaging the granite.

Hail Impact Bruising

North Texas gets big hail. Ice balls hit the stone with massive force.

You might not see a crack, but the stone is bruised internally. Searching for headstone cleaning services near me often leads to pressure washing. That is dangerous here. High pressure forces water into those invisible bruises, causing the face to pop off later. We use low-pressure chemical cleaning to preserve the stone's integrity.

Memorial Restoration Services in Plano Cemeteries

We provide year-round headstone maintenance service for all memorial parks in Plano including Restland Memorial Park, Ridgeview Memorial Park, Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Park, Pecan Grove Cemetery.

  • Restland Memorial Park 13005 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75243 The major area cemetery, dealing with heavy Crepe Myrtle sap and prairie soil issues.
  • Ridgeview Memorial Park 2525 N Central Expy, Allen, TX 75013 A large park serving Plano/Allen, subject to wind exposure and clay heave.
  • Sparkman-Hillcrest Memorial Park 7405 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75225 An established park facing urban traffic soot and irrigation scale.
  • Pecan Grove Cemetery 1000 S Wildwood Dr, McKinney, TX 75069 A historic site with older stones vulnerable to hail damage and lichen.

Witness the Transformation: Before & After

The WORST advice after a funeral 💔

Watch How We Work

Preserving History: Our Work in Texas

A wonderful job! The stone looks brand new, letters clear, and dignity restored. Thank you, Tending.

— Michael S., Texas

Grave Care Services Near Plano

Our team also provides professional headstone cleaning and lettering restoration in these surrounding Texas areas:

Quality Guarantee: Our Services in Plano

  • Eco-Friendly Stone Restoration We avoid harsh pressure washing. Instead, we use biodegradable cleaners and soft bristle brushes to remove years of dirt and mildew, protecting the original finish of the monument.
  • Detailed Paint Restoration Using professional-grade stone paint, we re-fill the lettering on the marker. This improves visibility and protects the engraving from erosion.
  • Plot Hygiene & Safety We remove old flowers, fallen branches, and leaves. We also inspect the area for uneven ground or potential hazards to keeping the site safe.
  • Remote Monitoring Even from miles away, you'll know the job is done. We upload verification photos and notes on the grave's condition to your private dashboard.
  • Single Point of Contact No need to juggle calls. Your dedicated manager knows your family's needs and ensures the work is done right, every time.
  • $2M Liability Protection Your site is protected by a $2M insurance policy covering accidental damage during service.

Easy care, right from your phone

  • Subscribe to monthly or yearly care plans
  • Receive restoration, cleaning, and seasonal upkeep
  • Get detailed photo reports after every visit
  • Invite family members to share access
  • Enjoy peace of mind with automated service and support

Headstone Repair & Preservation FAQ in Plano

Why is the monument leaning?
Blackland Prairie soil swells and shrinks aggressively ('Gilgai'). We stabilize the foundation with deep gravel packs.
Why is the stone sticky and black?
Sap from Crepe Myrtles coats the stone, and mold grows on the sugar. We use alkaline cleaners to remove the varnish.
What is the white crust?
Hard irrigation water evaporates on the hot stone, leaving a calcium glaze. We use chemical descalers to melt it off.
Why is the base stained red?
Iron in the local clay splashes onto the stone and rusts. We use iron removers to lift the stain.
Can you pressure wash after hail?
No. Hail bruises the stone structure. Pressure washing forces water into the cracks. We use low-pressure methods.
How much does grave care cost in Plano?
Pricing depends on the monument size and condition. You can check the exact price for any plot in Plano instantly using our online configuration tool or by downloading the Tending App.

Expert Grave Care Made Simple

Set up your Tending Plan

Tending offers monthly or annual maintenance plans that include professional cleaning, lettering restoration, and detailed photo reports — all managed online or through our mobile app.

Get My Care Plan