Summer brings longer days—and bigger demands—for cemetery and grounds crews. But with labor shortages still a reality, simply working harder is not always the answer. The crews that stay ahead during peak season are the ones that work smarter—using better tools to reduce strain, save time, and get more done without adding headcount.

The Reality of Summer Labor Shortages

Finding and retaining skilled workers remains a challenge across the industry. That means your existing crew is expected to handle more services, tighter schedules, and tougher conditions—especially in the heat.

Instead of stretching your team thin, shift the focus to efficiency by:

  • Reducing manual lifting and repetitive strain
  • Speeding up setup and teardown times
  • Minimizing downtime between services
  • Equipping crews with tools that do more with less effort

Work Smarter With the Right Equipment

The right equipment doesn’t just make jobs easier—it multiplies what your crew can accomplish in a day.

1. Make Setup Faster with EZ-Fold Stands

Fast setup and compact storage make EZ-Fold stands a practical upgrade for busy crews. They reduce handling time and eliminate unnecessary adjustments on-site, helping services run smoothly and efficiently.

A dark blue cube-shaped object covered with a fabric featuring American flags and white stars.

2. Secure Handling Equipment to reduce strain

Moving caskets, vaults, and equipment safely is one of the most physically demanding parts of the job. Modern handling equipment reduces lifting strain, lowers injury risk, and allows fewer crew members to complete tasks that once required more hands.

Popular handling equipment to explore:

3. utilize Dump Trailers to save time

Cleanup and transport can eat up valuable time. Dump trailers streamline hauling debris, soil, and materials—cutting down trips and freeing up your crew for higher-value work.

A green utility trailer with a tilt bed is parked on grass near a Holland Supply sign, showcasing one of the top 10 cemetery products.

4. Beat the Heat With Cemetery Tents

Summer services often mean working in direct sun. Cemetery tents provide essential shade, improving comfort for both staff and attendees.

But beyond comfort, tents also:

  • Help crews maintain focus and productivity in high temperatures
  • Reduce fatigue during long service days
  • Create a more professional, respectful service environment

Adding or upgrading your tent setup is a simple way to support your team during peak summer conditions.

Browse Our Tent Options
A green canopy tent on wheels is set up in a cemetery, surrounded by gravestones and trees on a sunny day, showing how to streamline graveside setup for ease and efficiency.
A green canopy tent with white metal legs stands on a grassy field in a park, resembling a graveside setup, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky.
A green canopy tent is set up on a grassy area in a cemetery, with supplies neatly arranged beneath it and flowers and small grave markers visible in the background.

5. grab Urn Vaults before Demand Surges

Late summer consistently brings increased demand for urn vaults. Planning ahead ensures you’re ready to meet that demand without delays.

Stocking up early helps you:

  • Avoid supply shortages during peak need
  • Reduce last-minute ordering stress
  • Capture more service opportunities efficiently
Browse Our Urn Vaults
The Fortress® Urn Vault is a rectangular metal container in a gold hue, featuring a small raised emblem at its center, which provides both elegance and durability.
A black cube is positioned inside an open Cremains Urn Vault, which is made of white plastic, set against a light gray background.
This gold metal box is a Fortress® Urn Vault, featuring a hinged lid, a dark interior lining, and a rectangular blank label on top.
A white, square box with a partially open lid unveils a maroon interior that echoes the sophistication of a Fortress® Urn Vault, adorned with a gold emblem on its top.
The Safeguard® Urn Vault, a large, dark gray plastic vault featuring a stepped lid, is prominently displayed against a stark white background.

Efficiency Is the Real Workforce Multiplier

When hiring more people isn’t feasible, improving how work gets done is the next best solution. The right tools allow your current crew to:

  • Complete more services per day
  • Reduce physical wear and tear
  • Maintain consistent quality even under pressure

Investing in smarter equipment isn’t just about convenience—it’s about sustaining your workforce and keeping operations running smoothly all season long.

If you’re preparing for a busy summer, now is the time to evaluate where your team is losing time and energy—and upgrade the tools that can give it back.

Holland Supply Can Help

If you’re feeling stuck—lacking sufficient help and not sure how else to save time—our team is here to help. With over 60 years in the industry and 3 generations involved in the family business, our team goes beyond just selling products. Whether you need guidance on the right equipment to use, tips for streamlining summer operations, or help choosing the right setup for a busy season, we’re here for you.

Call us at 800-527-8818 for personalized advice, or browse our products.

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Older 5 Common Summer Graveside Challenges—and How to Solve Them