Your ashes can become a Memorial Tree

Whether remembering a loved one or planning your family’s legacy, discover the timeless beauty of giving ashes an eternal home at a Memorial Tree.

See our Privacy Policy to learn how we use your information.

What is a
Memorial Tree?

Instead of a tombstone, a Memorial Tree is a protected place to return ashes to the earth. Honor your loved ones in the forest with a custom inscribed marker and a Forest Memorial.

Every Memorial Tree Includes

Tree illustration
Your choice of a tree in a protected forest
Family and dog illustration
Rights to add people and pets in the future
Deer in forest illustration
Ongoing access to the forest
Tree sapling illustration
Saplings planted in your honor
Your Memorial Tree helps preserve and protect a beautiful forest that your family can visit for generations to come. 

Better Place Forests vs. traditional cemeteries

Creating your perfect memorial can be beautiful and affordable. Our average cost of a resting place, ceremony, and marker is lower than the cost of traditional cemeteries.
Couple and their dog standing at Memorial Tree with Guide

BETTER PLACE FORESTS

$6,900

Headstones in a Traditional Cemetery

TRADITIONAL CEMETERY

$9,500

Find your forever tree

Choose your forest, tree species, and size of tree in one of our nine forests across America. Our expert guides are standing by to help schedule your forest tour.

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​

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
Return to the earth and become a part of the greater forest ecosystem. Talk to a Guide to learn more.

How it works

Choose your tree

Explore our protected forests online or in-person and choose your tree with the help of a Guide.

Family with dog chooses Memorial Tree

Plan your Forest Memorial

Create a memorial that feels authentic to you. Plan readings, music, and more with the help of our expert team.

Forest Guide explains Memorial Trees

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.

Family has Forest Memorial at Memorial Tree

Enjoy your forest

You and your loved ones have ongoing access to the forest. Visit as often as you’d like.

Family sits in Memorial Forest

Explore available trees with a Guide

Find the tree that speaks to you by exploring trees online.