A Memorial Tree that Gives Back
Choose a sustainable alternative to cemeteries and help replant forests in need
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Make an impact in partnership with The Arbor Day Foundation
What is a Memorial Tree?
A Memorial Tree is a living tribute and forest resting place. Return ashes to the earth beneath your tree in a protected forest. Honor your loved ones with a custom inscribed marker and a Forest Memorial.
Every Memorial Tree Includes
Your choice of a private tree in a protected forest
Rights to add as many people and pets as you’d like
Option to place a custom inscribed Memorial Marker
500 saplings planted to help Rim Fire Forest Recovery
The positive impact of your Memorial Tree
Find your forever tree
Choose your forest, tree species, and size of tree in one of our nine forests across America. Our guides are here to help you explore online or in person.
CALIFORNIA
Point Arena
Trees start at
$5,900
CALIFORNIA
Santa Cruz
Trees start at
$9,900
CALIFORNIA
Yosemite Gateway
Trees start at
$5,900
CALIFORNIA
Lake Arrowhead
Trees start at
$5,900
ARIZONA
Flagstaff
Trees start at
$4,900
MINNESOTA
St. Croix Valley
Trees start at
$5,900
ILLINOIS
Rock River
Trees start at
$5,900
CONNECTICUT
Litchfield Hills
Trees start at
$5,900
MASSACHUSETTS
Berkshires
Trees start at
$5,900
Over 6,000 families served across nine forests
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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,
How it works
Choose your tree
Explore our protected forests online or in-person and choose your tree with the help of a Guide.
Plan your Forest Memorial
Create a memorial that feels authentic to you. Plan readings, music, and more with the help of our expert team.
Spread your ashes
When the time comes, ashes are mixed with local soil and returned to the base of your tree, becoming a part of the life of the forest. A marker is placed at your tree.
Enjoy your forest
You and your loved ones have ongoing access to the forest. Visit as often as you’d like.
Make a lasting impact with a Memorial Tree
For each Memorial Tree chosen, 500 saplings will be planted in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation for Rim Fire Recovery.
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