Where Are Memorial Trees Planted?

Oak tree in forest

Thinking of planting a memorial tree to honor a loved one who has passed away? We will show you all the options available for where to plant the tree and how to do it.

Planting a memorial tree is a wonderful way to pay tribute to someone while helping the environment. Deciding to plant a memorial tree in someone's name is easy, but choosing where to root the tree is a bit trickier.

Many feel the best spot to honor their lost friend or family member is in their city’s public park, while some prefer a plot with more privacy nearby their home.

Lots of people find healing in being able to visit the tree, while others take solace in knowing their tree is going towards reforestation efforts.

A memorial tree can also make a great gift for someone who is grieving. Many consider it a better alternative to flowers and bouquets which may quickly wilt.

Learn more about gifting memorial trees here. 

You’ll find that memorial tree planting services either give you the option to choose where it’s planted, or they’ll pick a location depending on which forests are in the greatest need of new trees. Each route has pros and cons, and choosing the right one for you is deeply personal and will take some consideration.

What is a Memorial Tree?

A memorial tree is a way of preserving someone’s legacy in a tangible, and long-lasting way.

Some services bury a biodegradable urn under the tree so that the ashes of your beloved can grow together with the tree.

Others simply plant the tree in their name, adorned with a memorial plaque.

Need a hand deciding which location is best to celebrate your lost friend or family member? Use the following information to explore the best places to plant memorial trees:


US National Forests

Reforestation is needed across a whopping 1,000,000 acres of forest in the US.

As someone considering planting a memorial tree, you have an incredible opportunity to help restore these magnificent woods. With so many National Forests devastated by wildfires or invasive pests, using one of these forests as your memorial tree site will make a huge impact.

While different memorial tree services provide tree planting in a variety of National Forests, most choose the area based on need, and others let you choose the area you want. Since the goal is to restore indigenous trees, you probably can’t choose the type of tree you want.

Picking a National Forest is a great choice to simultaneously remember someone and nurture local ecosystems.


US State Forests

Have a specific region or forest in mind?

Coast to coast, you’ll find a plethora of forests partnering with memorial tree services. Picking one of these forests is a meaningful way to carry on a legacy and restore nature’s beauty at a local level.

Many services that help to plant trees in these forests have designated forests you can choose from, often with nice walking trails and provided directions.

You’ll likely be able to find a forest close to you or your dear one’s home by choosing this option. It’s a popular choice as it allows you to make an impact close to home, such as an improvement in air quality.

You also have a better chance of having a say in the type of tree you want to be planted than if you were to go with a National Forest. But, in many cases, you can’t choose because the local ecology requires specific trees.


Memorial Forests

Those who feel peace of mind knowing their late friend or family member can rest in a scenic setting might choose a memorial forest. This is also a good choice if it’s important to have a tranquil place to visit the memorial tree. Several memorial tree services offer tree planting in these forests across the country. Some of these include whole sections of woodland that have been bought or donated for use as memorial forests and conservation land.

These privately owned areas are great if you’d like to know the exact coordinates of the tree, and have a say in the type of tree they plant. Most memorial forests have arborists tending to the trees and maintaining the walking paths.


City Parks

Trees in Fog. Johannes Plenio

A city park may be your top pick if the person you’re planting the tree for had a strong connection to their local community, or if you have cherished memories of walking through the park together.

Does your city or town have a particularly beautiful green space that you feel is a fitting location? Reach out to your local offices for permission or for more details on how to go about this. Some city parks even have existing programs to cater to this request.


Your Garden or Backyard

Man planting a memorial tree

If you’re comforted by the thought of keeping the departed close to your home, growing a memorial tree in your garden or on your property could be a great choice. You’ll be able to rest in the shady canopy anytime you want, recalling sweet memories and admiring the thriving new tree.

Have a look at our recommendations for the best trees to plant for your area. 

A caveat to keep in mind is that if the home is sold in the future or you need to move, the tree may be difficult to relocate. Also, you should check local laws regarding ash burying. While there are no laws nationally, some counties or states might have specific guidelines. 

Sprout New Life in Loving Memory

Ready to honor someone with the gift of new life?

Planting a tree in a special spot that means a lot to you can provide consolation, aid the environment, and serve as a symbol of wisdom, life, and growth in memory of your late loved one.

Wherever you wish to base your loved one’s memorial tree, you can rest assured knowing that their memory will live on in a beautiful way for years to come.

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Heart Shaped Sterling Silver Pendant for Cremation Ashes, Engraved Forever Loved

Memorial Jewelry to Honour a Loved One

Check out our lovely range of memorial jewelry for any lost loved one.  Pendants, necklaces, rings or bracelets, we have them all in all kinds of styles.  Choose for yourself or buy as a sympathy gift. 

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Create an Online Memorial Website

Honour your loved one with their own memorial website.  Share photos, videos, memories and more with your family and friends in a permanent online website.  Free for basic plan with no ads. 

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