Memorial Tree Planting Services: Plant a Tree in Someone's Memory
Planting a tree in someone's memory is one of the most meaningful sympathy gifts you can give. Unlike flowers that fade, a memorial tree grows for decades — providing shade, cleaning the air, and creating a living legacy. This guide covers how memorial tree planting works, what it costs, and the best services to use.
How Memorial Tree Planting Works
- Choose a service: Select a memorial tree planting provider (see our comparison below).
- Place your order: Provide the name of the person being honored and your personal message.
- Receive a certificate: A personalized memorial certificate is sent to you or directly to the family, documenting where and when the tree will be planted.
- Tree is planted: The tree is planted in a designated forest, typically a U.S. National Forest or reforestation project, during the appropriate planting season.
Best Memorial Tree Planting Services
| Service | Price | Trees Planted | Certificate | Location Choice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Arbor Day Foundation | $20-$50 | 1-10 trees | Yes (digital + mail) | U.S. National Forests |
| Trees for a Change | $17-$40 | 1 tree | Yes (mailed) | U.S. National Forests |
| One Tree Planted | $1-$25 | 1-25 trees | Digital only | Choose continent/region |
| ProFlowers Memorial Tree | $30-$60 | 1 tree | Yes (mailed with gift) | U.S. National Forests |
Memorial Tree vs. Sympathy Flowers
Both are appropriate sympathy gestures, and many people send both. Here's how they compare:
- Flowers: Immediate visual impact, traditional, but last only 5-7 days. Best for the funeral itself.
- Memorial tree: Lasting tribute that grows for decades. Best as a personal sympathy gift. The family receives a certificate they can keep.
- Combination: Send flowers for the funeral and a memorial tree as a personal gift to the family. This is becoming increasingly common.
Browse affordable funeral flower options →
What to Write on a Memorial Tree Certificate
Most services let you include a personal message. Here are some examples:
- "In loving memory of [Name]. Your roots run deep in our hearts."
- "A tree planted in honor of [Name], whose love continues to grow."
- "For [Name] — a living tribute to a life well lived."
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a memorial tree?
A memorial tree is a tree planted in honor or memory of someone who has passed away. It's a living tribute that grows over time, providing shade, oxygen, and habitat for wildlife. Most memorial tree services plant in national forests or reforestation areas and provide a certificate documenting where the tree was planted.
How much does it cost to plant a memorial tree?
Memorial tree planting services typically cost between $20 and $100. Basic planting in a national forest starts around $20-$30. Premium options that let you choose the location or tree species cost $50-$100. Some services plant multiple trees for the same price.
Where is the tree planted?
Most memorial trees are planted in U.S. National Forests through partnerships with the USDA Forest Service or similar organizations. Some services let you choose a specific forest or region. The tree's location is documented on the memorial certificate.
Do you get a certificate?
Yes. All reputable memorial tree services provide a personalized certificate with the name of the person being honored, the forest or region where the tree was planted, and the date. Most offer both digital and physical certificates.
Is planting a memorial tree a good sympathy gift?
Yes, memorial trees are one of the most appreciated sympathy gifts. They're meaningful, environmentally positive, and last a lifetime. Many families prefer them over flowers because they represent ongoing life rather than something that wilts.
Can I visit the tree?
It depends on the service. Most memorial trees are planted in public national forests that you can visit, but the specific tree isn't individually marked. Some premium services offer GPS coordinates or dedicated groves that are easier to locate.
