Mourning a person dear to your heart is always a cause for great grief. The eco-friendly and meaningful solutions to cope with this loss are being searched by many families nowadays. One of the choices, which is becoming more and more accepted is the tree funeral urn. The memorial option enables ashes being mixed with new life, whereby the continuity, remembrance and renewal are all symbolized in the process.
This article explains what a tree funeral urn is, how it works and why it has become a preferred memorial option for environmentally conscious families.
What is a Tree Funeral Urn?
A tree funeral urn, as the name suggests, is no ordinary urn at all. It is a biodegradable urn that holds human ashes together with a seed or sapling of a tree. Once the urn is buried, it continues to degrade in the soil naturally. Eventually, the ashes get mixed with the earth and provide nutrients to the tree that is growing.
As opposed to creating a tomb out of stone or concrete, this approach creates a living memorial. Every year the tree gets stronger and becomes a tribute that is forever rooted in nature.
How a Tree Funeral Urn Works?
The operation is simple yet meaningful. The urn is constructed using natural materials such as coconut shell, recycled papers, wood fibers or compressed peat. All these materials are safe to decay in nature as well as environment-friendly.
The urn, at the time of planting, gets into a state of dissolution slowly. The sapling gets established and the memorial starts growing.
Why Families Choose a Tree Funeral Urn?
The option appeals to the majority of families emotionally and for environmental reasons as well.
The tree funeral urn is nothing less than a life that goes on after death. Observing a tree’s growth can be a source of consolation and a peaceful time during mourning. It also gives an area to visit, think and feel connected.
From an ecological perspective, it reduces the environmental impact associated with traditional burial or memorials. No metal,plastic or chemicals are involved. It is a gentle return to nature.
Types of Trees Used in Tree Funeral urns
Selecting the tree itself is one of the most intimate aspects of the entire process. Usually, families choose a species that has a particular significance to them.
Nourishment and abundance are represented by fruit trees. Beauty and renewal, by flowering trees. Protection and strength, by shade trees. Besides these, the native species are gaining more and more popularity since they offer support to the local ecosystems and are less maintenance demanding.
Where Can a Tree Funeral Urn be Planted?
Deciding on the location for your tree funeral urn depends on the local regulations.
Most families prefer to plant the urn in their private gardens or family land. Others choose memorial forests or designated green burial grounds. Some communities allow the use of approved natural areas.
It’s crucial to check local regulations before planting so as not to fall foul of environmental and land-use rules.
A Tree Funeral Urn – Environmental Benefits
The benefits to the environment are considerable. A traditional burial wastes large amounts of resources and produces materials that last long in the earth. On the other hand, a tree funeral urn is completely eco-friendly.
It helps in the process of reforestation, besides air quality improvement. The tree that is maturing absorbs CO2, plus gives habitat to animals. In the long run, it is a positive planet contributor.
So, for the families whose sustainability is a major consideration, this choice is in perfect harmony with the values of care and responsibility that they have instilled in their children throughout their lifetime.
Living Memorial Emotional Value
Grief is not linear. A living memorial can be an aid to the grieving process.
When you think of a tree urn, imagine something that keeps on changing and growing with time. Each season is a different time of remembrance and contemplation. The leaves, flowers and fruit in the tree become symbols of love that never dies.
This continuous bond is often more soothing than the stillness of a static memorial.
