With more people opting for cremation over traditional burial, Memorial Trees are becoming increasingly popular as a way to return ashes to the earth. Discover how you can become one with nature after death with options ranging from Tree Pods to Memorial Trees.
The healing power of nature can be a great help during the grieving process. Memorial Trees are a beautiful way to remember your loved ones who have passed away. It is a great eco-friendly option to consider as you plan for end-of-life or to honor the memory of someone who has already passed. Planting a tree in memory of your loved one can be a meaningful way to transition to the next chapter. Let’s take a look at everything you need to know to decide if this option is right for you.
What is a Memorial Tree?
A Memorial Tree is a tree where ashes are spread around its base. You can select a fully grown tree, located in a protected forest, with the help of Better Place Forests. One of the significant benefits of choosing a tree in a Memorial Forest is the assurance that the forest will be maintained and will not be developed in the future. Additionally, you can opt to have a customized Memorial Marker inscribed and placed at the base of the tree, marking your special place in the forest. There is a team available to care for the forest and assist families and visitors in spreading the ashes, as well as finding the Memorial Tree during future visits.
More informally, some people may refer to a tree planted in their backyard or a local park as a “Memorial Tree” if they spread ashes around that tree.
A Memorial Tree may sound simple, but there are some nuances to be aware of as you consider this option.
What to consider when planning a Memorial Tree
- Excessive ash can be harmful to plant life. Generally, mature trees are more tolerant of ash than young saplings. Unfortunately, young saplings are often killed when people spread too much ash around them. To avoid harming the forest ecosystem, Better Place Forests only spreads ashes around mature trees. The company has also collaborated with soil scientists to develop a process for spreading ashes that is safe for the forest ecosystem.
- It’s common for families to plant a Memorial Tree in their backyard or vacation spot as a way to stay connected. However, if they move away or sell the property, it can be an upsetting experience as it may mean leaving behind a sentimental space.
- Consider if it’s important for people to be able to locate the Memorial Tree to pay their respects to the deceased. It’s crucial for many individuals to conveniently find the tree for future visits.
This is a benefit of working with a Memorial Forest like Better Place Forests, where there is a map of all Memorial Trees and Memorial Markers at the tree.
- It is important to check the legality of spreading ashes before doing so. While some people may choose to spread ashes in a park or National Forest on their own, it is only legal in certain parks. It can be very upsetting to have law enforcement interrupt your memorial, so it is best to check beforehand.
Eco-Friendly Options Compared
The phrase “Memorial Tree” means different things to different people. These are some of the most popular ways to memorialize someone with a tree, and how they compare:
Memorial Tree: A Memorial Tree is a special tree that serves as a tribute to the memory of a person who has passed away. Usually, the ashes of the deceased are scattered around the base of the tree. You can opt to have a Memorial Tree in a protected forest with Better Place Forests, or you can create one informally in your own backyard or a nearby park.
Be sure to check your local government policies on spreading ashes. It’s legal to spread ashes in Better Place Forests’ nine protected forests, but some parks have restrictions.
Tree Pod: Capsula Mundi and the Living Urn have popularized the idea of burying a small or large vessel under the earth. The Capsula Mundi project offers two options for burial, one of which is still theoretical. The more concrete part of the project is the smaller vessel, which is a biodegradable urn designed to hold cremated remains.
At this time, Capsula Mundi (photo below) is theoretical. It is not possible to purchase/bury someone this way, due to the complications of getting a body into the fetal position and into the tree pod.
Living Urn connects a sapling to an urn for cremated remains.
Planting a Tree in Memory: The Arbor Day Foundation has popularized a beautiful way of honoring someone by planting saplings worldwide to help restore forest habitats. However, if it is important for you to visit the Memorial Tree, planting a tree in memory of someone may not be the right option. Generally, Memory Trees are planted in state or national parks and are not accessible for visitors.
Cost and Pricing of Memorial Trees and Alternatives
The cost of Memorial Trees varies widely depending on: if you want to be able to visit the tree, if you would like support in planning a service at the tree, or the number of trees you would like.
Living Urn Tree urns are generally the most affordable: This Living Urn is less than $200. You have to think about where you will plant this tree, and if that location will be a protected place to visit for future generations.
Tree Pods as popularized by Capsula Mundi are just conceptual, meaning that you cannot purchase one at this time.
Memorial Trees with Better Place Forests start at $4,900 and the pricing is based on forest location, tree species, and size. It’s possible to purchase a Memorial Marker and a Forest Memorial, an intimate ceremony where ashes are returned to the earth.
Honoring your loved one at their Memorial Tree
If you choose a Memorial Tree, you likely are thinking about how you can honor your loved one at this tree. There are no right or wrong ways to do this, but here are a few suggestions:
Visit your tree on important dates: Birthdays, death anniversaries, holidays, or any other day that you want to feel connected to your loved one, go visit their tree. Talk to your tree or sit and reflect.
Create a natural memorial: When you visit the tree of your loved one, you can do something with your hands to pay tribute to them. At Better Place Forests, families often leave natural items like feathers or mandalas made of leaves to honor their loved ones. The act of gathering and creating a tribute is inspired by the work of Morning Altars.
Plant Wildflowers: A symbol of rebirth and growth, wildflowers can add symbolism to your Memorial Tree. You can plant the same wildflowers at home as you do at your tree, ensuring you feel connected.
Share your Memorial Tree: Grief is a personal experience, but it’s important to remember that many others may also be missing your loved one. By sharing pictures of the Memorial Tree throughout the seasons and over time, you can connect with people who care deeply about your loved one and find solace in talking about your loss. This can be a healing way to honor your loved one and remember them in a positive way.
