An affordable natural memorial for your ashes

Create a family memorial by spreading your ashes around a healthy, mature tree in a protected forest

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A beautiful alternative to cemeteries

At half the cost of traditional options, a Memorial Tree in a Better Place Forest is a beautiful way to remember the ones you love.

Return ashes to the earth in a protected forest ecosystem.

Every Memorial Tree Includes

Tree illustration
Your choice of a tree in a protected forest
Family and dog illustration
Rights to add people and pets in the future
Deer in forest illustration
Ongoing access to the forest
Tree sapling illustration
Saplings planted in your honor
Your Memorial Tree helps preserve and protect a beautiful forest that your family can visit for generations to come. 

Better Place Forests vs. traditional cemeteries

Creating your perfect memorial can be beautiful and affordable. Our average cost of a resting place, ceremony, and marker for two people is less than half the cost of traditional cemeteries.
A couple stands next to a memorial tree with their dog while they discuss their end-of-life plans with one of Better Place Forests knowledgeable forest guides

BETTER PLACE FORESTS

$8,500

The headstones and tributes in a traditional cemetery.

TRADITIONAL CEMETERY

$27,500

Find your forever tree

Choose your forest, tree species, and size of tree in one of our nine forests across America. Our expert guides are standing by to help schedule your forest tour.

CALIFORNIA

Point Arena

Trees start at

$5,900

CALIFORNIA

Santa Cruz

Trees start at

$9,900

CALIFORNIA

Yosemite Gateway

Trees start at

$5,900

CALIFORNIA

Lake Arrowhead

Trees start at

$5,900

ARIZONA

Flagstaff

Trees start at

$4,900

MINNESOTA

St. Croix Valley

Trees start at

$5,900

ILLINOIS

Rock River

Trees start at

$5,900

CONNECTICUT

Litchfield Hills

Trees start at

$5,900

MASSACHUSETTS

Berkshires

Trees start at

$5,900

Over 6,000 families served across nine forests​

What came as a wonderful surprise is the reverence the staff added to our Forest Memorial. They guided us through returning our loved one to the earth . 

Chris B. Lake Arrowhead Forest, California
A family around their memorial tree in a better place forests memorial forest.

The process of selecting a tree was deeply spiritual . I am a tree-hugging conservationist and Better Place Forests is exactly what I had in mind for my ashes.

Patricia D. Point Arena Forest, California
A woman sits by her memorial tree in a better place forests memorial forest.

This is a thoughtful, environmentally smart approach to end-of-life. I appreciate that my children will have a place other than a cemetery to visit.

Francine S. Santa Cruz Forest, California
A couple by their memorial tree in a better place forests memorial forest.

Better Place Forests is the perfect place for us. The idea of being out in nature under our tree gives us such a feeling of peace.

Joy B. Yosemite Gateway Forest, California
A couple by their memorial tree in a better place forests memorial forest.

I think having a tree, having a place out in nature is so different.  Instead of showing my son a plot in a cemetery I can show him a tree. It’s a chance to teach him about renewal and that life carries on.

Sarah B. Flagstaff Forest, Arizona
A family by their memorial tree in a better place forests memorial forest.

Mother Teresa said, "Peace begins with a smile." My wild black cherry tree in the Rock River Forest brings a smile and a sense of peace, instead of angst.

Judith L. Rock River Forest, Illinois
A family by their memorial tree in a better place forests memorial forest.

Picking out a tree, a symbol of family and strength, felt right. My parent's tree is more than a place to visit, it’s a symbolic reminder of our connection.

Michelle C. St. Croix Valley Forest, Minnesota
A family by their memorial tree in a better place forests memorial forest.

I have spent many days walking in the forest. When you listen to the birds, the wind, the rustling of leaves… it’s a monumental, picturesque experience.

Dwight and Renate B. Berkshires Forest, Massachusetts
A couple by their memorial tree in a better place forests memorial forest.

There’s something very magical about picking out your tree and knowing that you’ll become a part of that ecosystem.  In a way, you’ll live on in the future.

Susan K, Litchfield Hills Forest, Connecticut
Two sisters by their memorial tree in a better place forests memorial forest.
Return to the earth and become a part of the greater forest ecosystem. Talk to a Guide to learn more.

How it works

Choose your tree

Explore our protected forests online or in-person and choose your tree with the help of a Guide.

Family with dog chooses Memorial Tree

Plan your Forest Memorial

Create a memorial that feels authentic to you. Plan readings, music, and more with the help of our expert team.

Forest Guide explains Memorial Trees

Spread your ashes

When the time comes, ashes are mixed with local soil and returned to the base of your tree, becoming a part of the life of the forest. A marker is placed at your tree.

Family has Forest Memorial at Memorial Tree

Enjoy your forest

You and your loved ones have ongoing access to the forest. Visit as often as you’d like.

Family sits in Memorial Forest

Explore available trees with a Guide

Find the tree that speaks to you by exploring trees online.

Couple and dog at Memorial Tree with Guide

Learn more about sustainable memorials

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