Burial tree pods are part of the green burial movement that offers an eco-friendly way to honor loved ones by turning them into a tree after death. For those who are eco-conscious, grieving, or simply looking for a meaningful memorial, an eco pod burial provides a lasting tribute that benefits the planet. 

What is a Burial Tree Pod?

A burial tree pod, also known as an eco burial pod or organic burial pod, is a biodegradable pod that turns your body into a tree. It’s typically planted with seeds or a sapling above it. Over time, the remains inside the burial pod nourish the tree, creating a living, growing tribute honoring your loved one’s legacy.

Types of Burial Tree Pods

There are two main types of biodegradable burial tree pods designed to hold remains, of either cremated or whole body.

Types of Burial Tree Pod: Cremation Burial Pods

Biodegradable cremation burial pods contain cremated human remains that turn bodies into trees. The organic burial pod is buried in the ground and typically, seeds or a sapling. As the body decomposes, it nourishes the tree, creating a final act of giving back to nature. Companies like The Living Urn and Bio Urn create biodegradable urns designed to turn you into a tree in the afterlife.

Types of Burial Tree Pods: Whole Body Burial Pods

Instead of using cremated remains, whole-body burial pods place the whole body into a biodegradable burial pod. Once buried, a tree is planted on top. As the organic burial pod decomposes, the body turns into minerals that feed the tree. 

Capsula Mundi, an Italian-based company is developing an egg-shaped, organic burial pod that promises to turn your whole body into a tree. However, while available for purchase, this product is not fully in production.

Similar to Capsula Mundi’s tree burial concept, Transcend’s tree burial concept (not yet fully available) aims to bury whole bodies in flax linen pods, surrounded by a blend of mycorrhizal-enriched fungi, soil, and wood chips to facilitate decomposition with a tree planted on top.   

How Burial Tree Pods Work

How Burial Pods Work: Select a Tree

The burial pod process begins with selecting a tree species that resonates with you or your loved one’s memory. Whether you choose a tree for its personal significance, symbolism, or spiritual meaning, it’s up to you as long as it can thrive in the location you choose. The biodegradable tree pod is then prepared with either cremated remains or a body.

How Burial Tree Pods Work: The Burial Pod 

Next, the whole body or cremated remains are carefully placed inside the biodegradable burial tree pod. The organic burial pod itself is crafted from eco-friendly materials such as natural fibers, or other sustainably sourced substances. This ensures that it stays rigid above ground and can be stored for years, and only starts to biodegrade once buried as the organic burial pod decomposes. Another key benefit of using only eco-friendly materials is that as the pod degrades no harmful chemicals or pollutants will be introduced into the soil. 

How Burial Tree Pods Work: Choosing a Location

The tree pod urn is then interred into a specially prepared site where the chosen tree seeds or saplings is planted above it. The location could be a garden, forest, cemetery—any private property, local or national park with necessary permissions and in accordance with local and state laws. 

How Burial Tree Pods Work: Decomposition

The amount of time it takes a tree pod urn to dissolve depends on the type of material used to construct the pod. As the eco burial pod breaks down, it nourishes the soil, providing vital nutrients that support the growing tree, symbolizing the continuum of life and the deep connection we share with the earth.

Are Burial Tree Pods Legal?

Most burial and cremation laws state that a person may plant or bury cremated remains in uninhabited public land, or on the private property of a consenting owner—but this may not be the case for all States so it’s always important to ask. Be sure to look into your local and state’s rules. Your cremation service provider may also be able to help.

Can Burial Tree Pods Travel on an Airplane?

The short answer is yes. As long as the tree pod urn is made out of biodegradable material and TSA can see the contents through an x-ray, then they are permissible to travel through airports and on most airlines. This may be necessary if you want to return a loved one to their roots or plant a specific tree species in a location where it is sure to thrive.

It is typically recommended to have a copy of the death certificate and/or the certificate of cremation with you in case you’re asked to present paperwork to TSA or your airline (and check with TSA and your airline before traveling as the requirements can vary and change over time).

What Are the Benefits of Burial Tree Pods?

Benefits of Burial Tree Pods: Environmental Stewardship

Burial tree pods promote sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with traditional burials. Each year, traditional burials in cemeteries in the United States use 64,000 tons of steel and 1.6 million tons of concrete—enough to rebuild the Golden Gate Bridge—in addition to more than 4 million gallons of embalming fluid, according to the non-profit Green Burial Council. Tree burial pods are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional burial on the other hand, that eliminate the need for embalming chemicals, non-biodegradable caskets, and concrete vaults, all of which can harm the environment.

For those who value nature and wish to leave a minimal impact on the planet, a burial tree pod provides a personal connection to the Earth. It aligns with the values of eco-conscious consumers, nature lovers, and families planning a meaningful farewell.

Benefits of Burial Tree Pods: Renewal and Growth

Choosing a burial pod means contributing to the natural cycle of life. The remains serve as nutrients for a tree, symbolizing renewal and growth. This living memorial offers solace and a unique way to remember and celebrate life.

Benefits of Burial Tree Pods: Cost-Effective

Burial tree pods can be a more cost-effective option compared to the rising cost of traditional burials. They eliminate the expenses associated with purchasing a casket, embalming, and cemetery plots, making it a financially viable choice for many families who have often suffered an unexpected loss, accompanied by unexpected expenses. Living Urn Tree pod urns are generally the most affordable option: The Living Urn is less than $200. However, when considering a cremated burial pod, there is the additional cost of the cremation.

What Are the Drawbacks of Burial Tree Pods?

Drawbacks of Burial Tree Pods: Location Challenges

Not only may it be challenging to find a suitable location for the burial tree pod, but the location is not typically marked to revisit and future visitation is not guaranteed.

Drawbacks of Burial Tree Pods: Decomposition Rate

The decomposition rate of the pod and the successful growth of the tree can be unpredictable, depending on the material, environmental conditions, and soil quality, potentially delaying tree growth.

Drawbacks of Burial Tree Pods: Legality & Availability

Whole-body burial pods are not currently readily available. Cremated burial pods are more readily available, but not all locations permit the use of burial pods. It is essential to research and comply with local and state regulations.

Additional Sustainable Tree Burial Options

Sustainable Tree Burial Options: Plant a Tree in Memory

Planting a tree in memory is a beautiful way of honoring someone that was popularized by the Arbor Day Foundation. The foundation plants saplings worldwide to help restore forest habitats and many choose to plant a tree in honor of a loved one.

Sustainable Tree Burial Options: Memorial Tree

Instead of a tombstone, a Memorial Tree is a protected forest to return ashes to the earth naturally. You may choose an intimate Forest Memorial ceremony to celebrate and honor your loved one’s life. Additionally, you can commemorate your Memorial Tree with a custom-inscribed Memorial Marker including your loved one’s name, key dates, personal message, and tree number making it easy to find and visit again and again. 

Is a Burial Pod Right for Me?

Burial tree pods offer a tranquil and respectful way to honor the lives of our loved ones while promoting environmental stewardship. These innovative tree pods transform death into a source of new life, nurturing trees that stand as living memorials. If you or your family are considering an eco-friendly burial option, talk to one of our Guides about sustainable memorial options that may provide the comfort and connection you seek.