Does Better Place Forests offer cremation?

Better Place Forests does not provide cremation services. Our guides can advise you in choosing a local funeral home or crematorium.

What if I want to add additional people or pets to my tree in the future?

If you choose to add people or pets to your tree later down the line, you can purchase additional spreading rights for $2,500 per person and $300 per pet.

Where are the saplings planted and can I go see them?

We typically plant saplings in National Forest land in partnership with the nonprofit One Tree Planted. Saplings are planted in forest ecosystems in need of regrowth, often after natural disasters like wildfires. Some forests are easily accessible and some are hard to reach.

What happens if my tree dies?

When we choose memorial trees, an arborist helps us pick trees that are healthy and have ample access to the resources they need to thrive. If your tree dies before ashes have been spread, we’ll help you choose a new tree (free of charge). If ashes have already been spread, your memorial marker will remain in place, and our team will work with you to review options (potentially a nurse log or stump) so you can stay connected to the forest cycles of life.

How does a memorial tree compare to traditional options?

The average burial, plot, and headstone costs around $15,000 per person. We offer a range of prices for any budget — some at less than half the cost of a traditional burial. Talk to one of our guides to learn about available trees that fit your budget.

How many sets of ashes can I spread at my tree?

To ensure your tree stays healthy, there are some limits to the amount of ashes that can be spread at your tree in a given year. Over time, you can share your tree with many loved ones - there’s room for great-great-grandchildren! Talk to a guide to learn more about the limits by tree size and species.

What happens if I want to switch forests?

You are always welcome to explore transferring to one of our other forest locations, and we’ll help explain variations in availability and pricing between forests.

What does “the right to spread ashes” really mean?

The end-of-life industry is highly regulated. In most states, you need legal permission to scatter or spread ashes. When you purchase a memorial tree, our contract states that you and any successors you choose have an irrevocable license right to spread ashes at the base of your tree. This license right is a real property interest that is recorded by Better Place Forests with the county in which your memorial tree is located.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes, we have various payment plans to work with your budget. You can complete your payment plan early without penalty. Talk to one of our guides to learn more.

What is a memorial marker?

A memorial marker is similar to survey monuments used by the US Geological Survey (USGS) to mark important geographical locations. You can choose to purchase a memorial marker and anchor it near the base of your tree. Included with a marker purchase is a custom inscription of words or characters. For more details on memorials, visit our memorial options page.