How to Become a Tree When You Die

Can you become a tree after your death and cremation service in Mokena, IL? Yes! This internment option is when cremated remains are buried with tree seeds, and the remains nourish and sustain the tree as it grows. Cremation tree kits are easy, eco-friendly, and beautiful ways to plant trees from a loved one’s remains while honoring and celebrating your lost loved one’s life for generations to come. 

 Cremation tree urns are biodegradable urns designed to hold cremains, fertilizer, and tree seed. They also come with pH-neutralizing agents and fertilizers to help the cremains nourish the tree seed as it grows and flourishes into a free. When planted in the ground with cremains, cremation tree urns incorporate the cremains into the tree’s nourishment, turning your lost loved one’s remains into part of the tree, like a living memorial. 

There are many different types of trees you can plant with a cremation tree urn, including: 

• Blue Spruce 

• Deodara Cedar 

• Dogwood 

• Eastern Red Bud 

• Flowering Cherry 

• Ginkgo Biloba 

• Jacaranda 

• Japanese Maple 

• Mexican Fan Palm 

• Oak 

• Palo Verde 

• Ponderosa Pine Tree 

• Quaking Aspen 

• Sugar Maple 

• Tulip Poplar 

Interested in planting a cremation tree with your lost loved one’s cremated remains? Each cremation tree kit will come with complete, specific instructions, but here’s a basic rundown of the process. Before you plant, look up the best type of environment for the tree, including sun exposure, water needs, and soil type, as you want to ensure that you set the tree up for success. After all, you want your lost loved one’s tree to be big and beautiful for generations to come. Then, prepare the urn by removing the plastic wrap and locating the lower vessel for the cremains and the cap, which contains the nutrients for the tree. To prep the urn for planting, soak the seed packet as instructed, then place the wood pulp bag into the lower vessel along with no more than 1-1/4 cup of ashes, leaving enough room to fold it over and get the cap on. 

To plant the urn, place the cap or lid over the lower vessel, dig a six- to seven-inch-deep hole, and place the run upright into the hole so the lower vessel touches the bottom. Replace the soil so there’s no more than one inch of dirt covering the urn. Next, simply follow the watering directions for the tree type to ensure it will grow big, strong, and beautiful. 

It’s important to note that cremated remains don’t “expire”, so you can use your loved one’s cremains to plant a tree at any time, even years after their passing. However, after placing the cremains into the urn, you should plant the tree as soon as possible to ensure the seeds germinate and grow properly.   

Want more tips on cremation trees or Mokena, IL cremation services? Colonial Chapel Funeral Home & Crematory is here to help. Call or visit us today for more information on what we can do for you in your time of loss or of preplanning.