When you begin thinking about end-of-life plans, you may come across topics such as living tributes, remembrance trees, and memorial forests. The concept of memorial trees and living tributes has emerged as a profoundly beautiful way to celebrate life in an eco-conscious manner. 

Within this guide, we’ll explore the idea of using memorial trees as a way to honor someone after they’ve died. A memorial tree can be a resting place for ashes, or it can serve as a place to honor and remember someone.

What are Memorial Trees?

Memorial trees, also called a living tribute, remembrance tree, or sympathy tree, have a few different meanings. Sometimes, it can refer to a tree planted in someone’s honor or memory in a place of significance to them or their family. 

A memorial tree can also refer to a tree in a memorial forest that serves as a resting place for cremated ashes of you or your loved one. In this article, we’ll explore memorial trees as a final resting place, where ashes are returned to the earth at the base of a private, established tree.

Memorial trees are located in memorial forests, which are protected pieces of land designed for spreading ashes. These forests offer a meaningful location for family and friends to visit you beyond your time on Earth but also allow you to help with conservation efforts to sustain and give back to the planet.

As part of your end-of-life plans, you can choose to have your ashes scattered in the soil at the base of a memorial tree. With countless options of tree species, you can find just the right tree to represent your life or the life of your loved one. You can pick the setting and specific kind of tree you’d like, and you can even include spreading rights for your loved ones or pets to join you when their time comes.

Benefits of Remembrance Trees

There are many reasons why you may decide you’d like to be laid to rest in a memorial forest. We’ve outlined a few of the most important reasons below.

1. Environmentally-Friendly

In contrast to conventional burial practices, which often leave a significant ecological footprint, the option of a memorial tree allows one to return to nature gracefully. The process involves integrating one’s ashes with the soil at the base of a selected tree, symbolizing a union with the earth in its purest form.

2. Forest Conservation and Reforestation

Opting for a memorial tree within a protected forest represents a commitment to environmental stewardship. Initiatives like Better Place Forests’ collaboration with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant additional trees highlight the sustainable impact of this choice, aiding in reforestation and conservation efforts across needed regions.

For every tree that is purchased, Better Place Forests works with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 50-1,600 Impact Trees in your honor in areas that are in need of reforestation.

3. A Sanctuary for Reflection

A memorial tree provides a sacred space for loved ones to gather, reminisce, and celebrate the life of someone special. Whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection at the foot of the tree or a leisurely walk through the whispering forest, this natural setting offers a lasting monument to love and memories, standing tall for generations to come.

4. Commitment to Conservation

At the heart of memorial forests like Better Place Forests lies a dedicated effort to protect and nurture the land and its inhabitants.Through careful management and conservation practices, these forests remain vibrant ecosystems, ensuring that each memorial tree thrives, contributing to the health and diversity of the environment.

Read more: Protecting beauty and ritual: the ins and outs of forest and tree protection

How to Choose a Memorial Tree

The choice of a memorial tree is a personal and significant decision. With a variety of species and locations available, selecting the perfect fit is a thoughtful process that reflects individual preferences and connections to nature. Whatever tree you decide to go with comes down to personal preference. 

Memorial Tree: Location

From ocean views to mountain seclusion, discover memorial tree species in a profound location that remind you of places you or loved ones revered or accessibility.

For example, some trees are closer to trails, making it easier for family members, old and young, to visit and pay tribute. Other trees may be tucked back in the forest, making the visiting experience quiet and peaceful. You might choose a tree that has a view of a sweeping meadow, mountain landscape, or one that looks out over a body of water. In any case, you can find a tree that feels meaningful and personal as a final resting place.

For inspiration, read this story about the Groves family and how they found a perfect memorial tree for their family of seven.

Memorial Tree: Characteristics

From majestic and towering redwoods to versatile and striking red maples, each tree species inherently has its own set of unique characteristics. You may choose to honor yourself or a loved one with a memorial tree that best reflects the characteristics of how you lived your life.

Maybe you spent your childhood climbing the oak trees in your grandparents’ backyard. Or perhaps the smell of cedar always reminds you of your favorite camping spots. Alternatively, you might simply be drawn to a specific kind of tree—there is no wrong choice when choosing your tree or one for someone you’ve lost.

Read more: Symbolism of trees: spiritual meanings across history

Memorial Tree: Size 

When choosing a memorial tree, you can select trees at different stages of their life, from small and mighty to ultimate forest providers, knowing that many tree species live to be hundreds, even thousands of years old. 

Read more: How to become a tree when you die

Reserving your Memorial Tree

If you’d like to return your ashes to the earth in a forest as part of your memorial plan, Better Place Forests can help. The process is simple.

Begin by exploring all our memorial forests—you can visit in person with a steward or take an online guided tour. Next, choose your specific location and the type of tree to call your own, and then determine your spreading rights. Our representatives are always available to help customize your plans.