What is a memorial tree?

Learn about this sustainable and peaceful alternative funeral option, including where you can plant a memorial tree.

What is a memorial tree?

Memorial trees – also known as memory trees, tribute trees or remembrance trees – are an environmentally friendly and peaceful way to memorialise someone who has died.


It involves planting a tree for them. This can be personalised with a plaque and visited by friends and family. Often, ashes are scattered by the tree or buried when the tree is planted.



It's usually chosen as a memorial for a nature lover – but anyone can have a memorial tree.

A black arrow pointing down on a white background.

here can you plant a memorial tree?

Memorial trees can be planted on public or private land. If you don't own the land yourself, you will need to get permission from the landowner. This could be a private landlord, an organisation or the council.


It's important to remember that private land can be sold – and if it is, the trees goes with it. In an ideal world, you would still be able to visit but there's no guarantee this will be the case.



Alternatively, you can sponsor a tree. This involves donating money to an organisation that plants a memorial tree for you in a forest, national park or conservation area. You get to choose the tree and visit whenever you like.

Can my ashes be turned into a tree?

You can ask in your Will to have your ashes either scattered over a specially planted tree or buried with the roots.


Some companies offer biodegradable urns. These combine a portion of the ashes with soil and a sapling. The urn breaks down in the soil and the tree grows from it.

Another option is for your ashes to be scattered by or near the tree. In both cases, you'll need permission from the landowner if you're not doing this on your own property.



The result is a living memorial that changes with the seasons and can be visited by loved ones. As well as providing a peaceful and changing spot, memorial trees are more environmentally friendly than traditional burials and cremations.

Tree planting FAQs

  • What tree can you plant for a memorial?

    You can plant any kind of tree for a memorial. Common choices include flowering dogwood, oak, silver birch, rowan, hazel and wild cherry. Trees such as crab apple and cherry blossom have magnificent blooms in the spring, underlining the passing of the seasons.


    If you plant your memorial tree in a woodland burial ground, you may be encouraged to plant a tree indigenous to the site.


    Some people say these trees have symbolic meanings. These can help you decide which tree to choose. Above all, you should choose a tree that has meaning for you and the person who died. You should also consider how big it is, when it will bloom and what plant life will be around it.

  • Where can I plant a memorial tree near me?

    Memorial trees can be planted anywhere so long as you have permission from the landowner. Popular locations include gardens, memorial gardens and woodland burial grounds.

  • Why plant a memorial tree?

    A memorial tree creates a living tribute to someone who died – one that can be visited through the year and which changes with the seasons. It can be a peaceful spot to go to and remember your loved one.


    On top of this, memorial trees are more environmentally friendly than traditional burial and cremation methods.

  • Are there rules relating to memorial trees?

    To plant a memorial tree on private land, you need to get permission from the landowner. The same applies to scattering and burying ashes and installing grave markers.

  • Can a memorial tree be personalised?

    Many people like to personalise memorial trees. You can do this by engraving a special message on a plaque on or near the tree.


    The plaque can be made from brass, aluminium or stainless steel, and the message can include initials, names, dates or a personalised tribute.

  • How much does it cost to plant a memorial tree?

    Prices vary. It depends on the type and size of the tree and where you have it planted. If you have it planted in a memorial garden, for instance, you're likely to pay more than if you plant it at home.

  • What tree represents remembrance?

    Different cultures consider different trees to represent remembrance. Popular choices include oak, flowering dogwood and silver birch. In Celtic mythology, crab apples are associated with the cycles of life.

Arrange the funeral you want with AFD

At AFD, we work with people of all faiths and backgrounds to arrange the funeral they want. We offer an empathetic listening ear and provide clear guidance at all stages of the process. Get in touch via our webpage or on our 24/7 phone line on 020 8355 7876.