Tree Cremation: Planting Trees With Cremains
When you lose a loved one, you often look for a unique way to remember and honor them. With many people becoming more conscious of the environment, tree urns are a lesser-known option for environmentally conscious after-life planning. By planting a tree urn, you will be reminded of your loved one after the cremation service with a plant or tree that will live on for many years to come. Keep reading to find out how you can turn cremains into a new form of life with a combination of burial and cremation to pay tribute to your loved one in a beautiful way.
What you need to Know About Tree Cremations and Tree Urns
While tree cremation isn’t exactly a brand new idea, the tree urn’s modern popularity is a relatively recent development. As such, there are a lot of questions about how they work and if they make sense for lost loved ones. Here are some of the most common questions we get about tree cremation.
What exactly is tree cremation?
A tree urn, also known as a bio urn, is a biodegradable urn that grows a tree in combination with ashes or cremated remains. Tree urns neutralize cremation ashes by adding additional agents so that plant life can grow. This lowers the pH level and dilutes the sodium in cremation ashes while providing nutrients to the plant. After the biodegradable urn is planted, a tree begins to sprout, and the container dissolves.
How much does a tree urn cost?
Tree urns are priced based on the materials used, the type of memorial it creates, and who you buy from. They typically range between $100-$200, depending on if you choose an indoor or outdoor option. If you’d prefer a less expensive option, biodegradable urns are available for around $40, but you’ll need to neutralize the cremains yourself and purchase a sapling separately. For a highly intuitive, self-watering model, expect to spend up to $495.
What are the benefits of a tree urn?
Tree urns are designed to break down naturally over time and without leaving a carbon footprint. This makes bio urns extremely environmentally friendly. They are typically made from bamboo, plant materials, wood, compacted peat, and even coconut shells. You’re positively contributing to the environment by planting a tree, as trees give off oxygen. Your tree could even provide shelter, protection, and food for wildlife in the future. Not only are cremation trees better for the planet, but they will grow into a special and comforting memorial to honor your loved one.
Where can I plant a cremation tree?
When it comes to planting your cremation tree, the options are limitless. Some people choose to plant their cremation tree on their private property. You could add your tree as a part of your garden or create a special memorial spot for your loved one. If your loved one had a favorite outdoor space, such as a park or sports field, this could be a meaningful place for planting the tree urn. If your loved one was strongly connected to a place in the community like a church or a school, this could also be a good choice. Many families choose a cemetery, memorial park, or green memorial ground near other family members who have passed. There is no right or wrong place to plant your bio urn, just wherever feels right to you.
How do I plant a cremation tree?
The steps to plant a cremation tree are as follows:
- Dig a hole one to two feet wider in diameter than the root structure of your tree or plant sapling. Loosening the soil will help with growth.
- Place the cremains in the biodegradable urn.
- Pour in the neutralizing additives on top of the cremains. Cover the urn.
- Place the roots of your sapling on top of the urn and backfill the soil around the sapling.
- Add three to six inches of mulch around the bottom of the new plant to help keep the roots moist.
- Lastly, continue to water the tree at least once a week and ensure it stays well mulched.
Tips For Planting Your Bio Urn
Want to honor your loved one right away? Here are some tips to quickly and easily get started.
Multiple Plantings: You do not use all of the cremains in one tree urn. If more than one friend or family member would like to plant a cremation tree, you can purchase multiple bio urns and divide the cremains among friends and family members to give them a memorial as well.
Make things easier for yourself: We recommend purchasing a kit that has the specific soil mixture, ash neutralizing agent, and sapling included for you, as neutralizing the cremains yourself can be complicated.
Where to buy a tree urn: Some well-known tree urn brands include The Living Urn, Bios Urn, and Oak Tree Memorials. You can search for “cremation tree pods,” “cremation tree kit,” or “burial urn tree” to find other similar products.
To learn more about tree urns and how you can honor your loved one in Maine, reach out to Maine Cremation Care today.
