8 Things Everyone Should Know About Memorial Forests

Memorial Forests: Nature’s New Resting Place

The idea of returning to nature is deeply comforting for many. Memorial forests make that idea literal. Instead of a traditional headstone, your final resting place becomes the roots of a tree, nestled in a protected forest. Whether you’re exploring this for yourself or a loved one, here are eight key things to know before making a decision.

1. They Are a Sustainable Alternative to Traditional Burials

Cemeteries use a surprising amount of resources—concrete vaults, hardwood caskets, embalming fluids, and land development. Memorial forests cut out the excess.

• No toxic chemicals

• Minimal land disturbance

• Supports conservation and reforestation efforts

These burials often take place in protected land, helping to restore native ecosystems instead of consuming new ones.

2. They Use Biodegradable Urns Designed for Tree Growth

Ashes are not just poured onto the ground. Most memorial forests use biodegradable urns that are specially designed to support healthy tree development. These urns mix the ashes with organic matter or neutralizing agents to protect the soil and root systems.

Some even incorporate native wildflower seeds, creating a thriving understory around the memorial tree.

3. You Can Choose the Type of Tree (In Most Cases)

Many memorial forest providers allow individuals or families to select from a list of tree species suited to the local ecosystem. This is a deeply personal decision and often based on symbolism, personal connection, or regional compatibility.

• Oak: Strength and legacy

• Maple: Beauty and transformation

• Cedar or pine: Everlasting life

• Cherry blossom: Fragility and grace

Each tree becomes a reflection of the individual it honors.

4. Memorial Forests Are Professionally Maintained

Unlike planting a tree in your backyard, memorial forests are usually managed by conservation organizations or specialized companies. These groups:

• Maintain the forest health

• Provide visitor access

• Ensure long-term care for the trees

• Prevent development or deforestation of the land

You’re not just buying a burial plot—you’re investing in protected land that’s meant to last for generations.

5. They Often Include Digital or Onsite Memorials

Most memorial forest companies offer ways to remember individuals beyond the tree itself.

• Digital memorial pages that include stories, photos, and guest messages

• Discreet physical markers at the base of the tree

• GPS coordinates for locating the tree easily during visits

This blends the beauty of nature with the personal connection of a tribute space.

6. You Can Still Hold a Memorial or Celebration of Life Ceremony

Just because the burial is natural doesn’t mean you lose the opportunity for ceremony. Many families gather in the forest to celebrate their loved one’s life through:

• Guided tree dedication ceremonies

• Readings, songs, or shared memories

• Quiet time to reflect in nature

Some organizations even provide hosts or officiants to help guide the experience.

7. They’re Available Across the United States (and Beyond)

Memorial forests are no longer a fringe concept. Companies like Better Place Forests, The Living Urn, and EcoEternity Forests have created protected areas across the country. From the California redwoods to the rolling hills of Connecticut, families can find a forest that feels right.

Some nonprofit organizations also offer tree burial options on conservation land, often at a lower cost than private companies.

8. They Reflect a Bigger Cultural Shift

This is about more than a new burial option. Memorial forests are part of a growing movement toward simplicity, sustainability, and legacy-focused end-of-life planning.

People choosing this path often share common values:

• A desire to reduce their environmental footprint

• A preference for meaningful experiences over material traditions

• A belief that death is not the end, but a return to the natural world

Memorial forests let your final act be one of renewal and contribution.

Closing Thoughts: Your Story Grows On

Memorial forests don’t just offer a peaceful place to rest. They offer a way to grow something new. With every breeze through the branches and every root reaching deep into the earth, they remind us that love doesn’t end. It transforms.

If you’re thinking about a green burial or planning ahead for a loved one, understanding these eight insights can help guide you toward a choice that feels as meaningful as the life you’re honoring.