Extended to March 8th: 2 for 1 spreadings included with tree purchase

Create a custom
Forest Memorial

Loved ones gather in the forest to spread ashes at the base of your tree.

Plan your Forest Memorial with a Better Place Forests Guide

Whether you’re pre-planning for the future or have an immediate need for a memorial, our Guides are here to help with planning and hosting your group.

A helping hand

From paperwork to reading selection, our Guides are here to help. They provide caring support during a difficult time.

A memorial unique to you

There are no cookie cutter forest memorials. Our Guides work with you and your loved ones to make your vision a reality.

Forest Specialists

Our team lives locally and knows the forest like the back of their hand. They’ll help you think through weather, getting your group to your tree, and more.

How a Forest Memorial Works

After you purchase your tree, our Guides are here to help bring your memorial vision to life.

Plan with a Guide

Choose your guestlist, date, memorial marker inscriptions, and readings with the support of a Guide. They’ll help you personalize the experience to honor your loved one.

Gather in the forest

Our Guides will be ready to welcome you and guests to the forest. They’ll give you a walkthrough of the day before anything begins and ensure everyone is comfortable.

Combine ashes and soil

At the memorial table, our Guides will share the process of mixing ashes with native soil and dried flower petals. Guests of all ages are welcome to participate.

Return to the earth

The ash and soil mixture is spread at the base of your tree, along with wildflower seeds to symbolize new growth. You can share readings, songs, and memories.

Enjoy the forest

You’re welcome to stay in the forest after the memorial. The marker will be placed after the ground has time to settle. We encourage visitors to come back to the forest.

Real stories from our Forests

What came as a wonderful surprise is the reverence the staff added to our Forest Memorial. They guided us through returning our loved one to the earth . 

Chris B. Lake Arrowhead Forest, California

The process of selecting a tree was deeply spiritual . I am a tree-hugging conservationist and Better Place Forests is exactly what I had in mind for my ashes.

Patricia D. Point Arena Forest, California

This is a thoughtful, environmentally smart approach to end-of-life. I appreciate that my children will have a place other than a cemetery to visit.

Francine S. Santa Cruz Forest, California

Better Place Forests is the perfect place for us. The idea of being out in nature under our tree gives us such a feeling of peace.

Joy B. Yosemite Gateway Forest, California

I think having a tree, having a place out in nature is so different.  Instead of showing my son a plot in a cemetery I can show him a tree. It’s a chance to teach him about renewal and that life carries on.

Sarah B. Flagstaff Forest, Arizona

Mother Teresa said, "Peace begins with a smile." My wild black cherry tree in the Rock River Forest brings a smile and a sense of peace, instead of angst.

Judith L. Rock River Forest, Illinois

Picking out a tree, a symbol of family and strength, felt right. My parent's tree is more than a place to visit, it’s a symbolic reminder of our connection.

Michelle C. St. Croix Valley Forest, Minnesota

I have spent many days walking in the forest. When you listen to the birds, the wind, the rustling of leaves… it’s a monumental, picturesque experience.

Dwight and Renate B. Berkshires Forest, Massachusetts

There’s something very magical about picking out your tree and knowing that you’ll become a part of that ecosystem.  In a way, you’ll live on in the future.

Susan K, Litchfield Hills Forest, Connecticut

Plan your Forest Memorial
with a Guide

Our Guides are here to help ease the burden of planning your memorial.

Couple and dog at Memorial Tree with Guide

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