1. Select a Tree Burial or Natural Burial Space
Choose from the hundreds of viable spaces where a memorial tree will have enough light and room to thrive.
2. Select a Tree
You may plant a new tree, or you may choose to place cremated remains near an existing tree.
For new tree plantings, we prefer California live oaks (quercus agriolia) although we are happy to consider other options, especially hearty, native species that are beneficial to the environment and its local flora and fauna. Once you have made a selection, we will procure your beautiful tree from our trusted source.
Space sufficient for at least two cremation plots adjoins every newly planted memorial tree on our burial ground. Additional, adjacent spaces can accommodate entire families, now and into the future.
If you select a space adjacent to an existing tree, a contribution will be made to an endowment trust that will provide for the tree’s care and, if necessary, replacement.
3. Tree Planting Ceremony
Seeding the roots of a new tree with the cremated remains of someone beloved to you builds a bridge between a life well-lived and one that is just beginning. Bearing witness to the natural cycles of life can offer intuitive healing for survivors and loved-ones.
For new trees, the planting can also be incorporated into the tree burial ceremony.
Cremated remains are mixed with the roots and soil of the tree near its base – either during planting or adjacent to existing trees.
A biodegradable urn will foster the growth of the new tree while still remaining ecologically respectful. We welcome the use of the Living Urn and Bio Urn systems, both of which combine cremated remains with nutrients to provide optimal conditions for a new tree to thrive. Either tree burial urn you choose will be welcome on our green burial ground.
Rather than the saplings suggested for these two systems, we opt for hardy, robust trees — at least 8 years of age — whose viability is assured.
