graves that are not cared for

What is the law, custon, etc on the care of graves that are not in cemeteries that have perpetual care. My ggggrandfather is buried on the old Steele farm that is located NE of Shelbyville, in a grove of trees. The gravestones were disintergrating and broken when I last visited there several years ago.

I don't know what TN's customs or laws are; however, in IA we have volunteers who look after the graves and stones. If you know who the cemetery caretakers are, ask 'em if you can rehab stones. Otherwise, if there isn't a known caretaker, then just do it . Too many times, family have passed on themselves and have no one to care for the graves. Good luck!