What to expect
Living memorials
A Guide walks you through every step—no pressure, no confusion, nothing left to figure out alone.
What we handle
One conversation, we handle the rest
Talk to a Guide to explore trees online or in-forest. No pressure, just helpful conversation.
Memorial Trees
Spreading Groves
We handle everything:
When you’re ready, choose:
A ceremony in nature that helps families find comfort.
A customized bronze marker
to honor a life.
Our process
Guided step by step
Here’s exactly what happens from your first call to ashes returned to the earth.
Call us or get started online any time. A Guide will walk you through next steps and answers any questions—no pressure.
Choose from 9 protected Memorial Forests—from the Sierra Nevada foothills to the Berkshires—each with their own beauty.
Select a native tree that tells your unique story. Choose from majestic coastal redwoods to quaking aspens.
Choose from 4 tree sizes—established, rooted in a protected conservation forest, from small and mighty to the largest 1%.
Choose your tree’s location within your forest from sweeping ridgetop views to secluded streamsides, each with its own character.
Pay in full or over time. We offer flexible payment plans and can help you find a plan that works for your situation.
The forest is yours to return to, any time. Bring family, friends and pets. Enjoy a picnic, hike, or simply gather at your tree.
We offer ongoing grief support—guided resources, community events, and educational articles and classes.
When you’re ready, we can help you return ashes to the earth with a personalized ceremony to honor your loved one. Learn more
Customize a bronze marker with your loved one’s name, key dates, and a personal inscription up to 180 characters. Learn more
Return to nature,
help protect it
When ashes return to the earth at a Memorial Tree, they become part of a living forest. Your memorial doesn’t just rest in nature—it helps safeguard it.
We're here whenever you're ready
A Guide is always available to answer questions, offer support, or simply listen.
RESOURCES
Want to know more?
Talk to a Guide, 24/7
When you’re ready, we’re here.
Explore at your own pace
See the two ways families honor a life.
Questions?
We're here to help.
What is a living memorial?
A living memorial with Better Place is a sustainable alternative to traditional cemeteries where cremated ashes rejoin the natural cycle of life at a private Memorial Tree or shared Spreading Grove in a protected forest.
What should I expect when I start planning a living memorial?
Planning a living memorial in nature is an uplifting experience unlike traditional cemeteries. Your first step is to talk to a Guide. You can explore our forests online or in-person and choose your tree with the help of Guide.
What is the difference between a Memorial Tree and a Spreading Grove?
A Memorial Tree is a dedicated tree within a protected forest that can be shared with family, friends, and pets over time. You may add a Guide-led Nature Memorial Ceremony and customizable, bronze Memorial Markers.
A Spreading Grove allows you to spread ashes of just one person in a shared grove within a protected Memorial Forest. Unlike a Memorial Tree you can not pick where the ashes will be placed. Spreading Groves also include a simple, self-led Nature Memorial Ceremony and small, simple Memorial Marker.
Can we visit the forest before choosing?
Absolutely. We encourage exploring the Memorial Forest before choosing—schedule a guided in-forest tour or virtual visit online to experience the peace and beauty firsthand. Talk to a Guide to explore the forest.
Does a living memorial include grief support?
Yes. We know that grief can feel overwhelming, frightening, isolating, and confusing. That’s why we believe it’s important to acknowledge your loss—not just once, but over time. Your living memorial includes comprehensive grief resources and guides:
- Free online support groups and educational webinars
- In-forest grief support groups and remembrance events
- Meaningful remembrance tools
- Regular check-ins to ensure you’re supported