Tree Pod Burial
What is a Tree Pod Burial?
A tree pod burial — also known more simply as a tree burial — offers a meaningful and sustainable way to celebrate the circle of life, while contributing to the growth of new life in the form of a tree or other plant.
In this article, we’ll explain the options currently available for a tree pod burial, look at how this form of burial is evolving, compare the cost with traditional burial and cremation options, and explore how widely accepted tree burial is. Our goal is that you end up with all the information you need to make an informed decision on whether a tree pod burial is right for you or your loved one.
What to expect with a tree pod burial
Tree pods, sometimes referred to as organic burial pods, or biodegradable burial pods, are a fusion of life and death. They transform the traditional idea of burial into a regenerative process, where the deceased’s remains are able to nourish the growth of a new tree.
In a tree pod burial, you can expect a serene and eco-conscious ceremony that often welcomes the active involvement of family members. Here’s what typically occurs:
Biodegradable pod
The ashes of the deceased are placed in a biodegradable pod or urn made from materials such as recycled paper or natural fibers. These pods are designed to break down naturally, returning the ashes and nutrients to the Earth.
Tree selection
Families can choose a specific tree species that resonates with them or is in keeping with the local ecosystem. The chosen tree is typically a young sapling or seedling.
Planting ceremony
During a heartfelt planting ceremony, the pod is placed in the ground alongside the tree. Family members and loved ones, both young and old, are able to assist with the planting.
How much does a tree pod burial cost?
While tree pod burials are usually cheaper than a traditional burial, the body still needs to be cremated, and so either traditional cremation or water cremation (the more environmentally friendly option) costs are incurred. Then there are also the additional costs of the biodegradable urn and seedling or sapling. Exact costs will vary depending on location, the service provider and the species of tree chosen.
Can bodies be buried in a tree pod?
Many people have perhaps seen an illustration of a human body in a fetal position, planted in an egg-shaped pod under a tree. In fact, this image is often what attracts people to the idea of a tree burial in the first place. The reality, though, is that it is not currently possible for a human body to be buried in a biodegradable pod. Capsula Mundi is a pioneering company in the field of tree pod burial. Their vision and ultimate goal is to make whole-body tree pod burial commercially available and they are working on the technology to enable this to happen. In the meantime, they manufacture biodegradable urns to contain ashes, which they are happy to ship to people around the world. Their innovative approach to burial is at the forefront of eco-conscious end-of-life options.
Commercially available biodegradable urns
There are other companies apart from Capsula Mundi that manufacture tree pods. Two of the most notable are:
- The Living Urn. This company developed America’s first biodegradable urn planting system. Today, they provide a range of biodegradable urns and tree pod options. They also offer a unique BioUrn® that allows you to combine ashes with soil and a tree seedling of your choice. As cremation ashes have a high pH that can be potentially damaging to some trees and plants, the BioUrn® comes with a patented RootProtect® additive. This is placed on top of the cremated remains, and together with the soil, creates an optimum growth environment. The Living Urn supplies its products globablly.
- Bios Urn. Originating in Spain, the Bios Urn® was the world’s first biodegradable urn. It has won numerous awards for design and innovation, and provides tree pods for both human and pet ashes. The Bios Urn® is made from 100 percent recycled materials, and has helped people in nearly 50 countries around the world return their loved one to nature. The urn is constructed with two separate capsules that allow you to also plant a seed, rather than a seedling or sapling. The ashes are place in the lower capsule. The provided components are then mixed with your chosen seed in the upper capsule. The urn is closed and then planted.
Where are tree pod burials legal?
Tree pod burials are an end-of-life option pretty much wherever cremation is allowed, as while official locations — such as woodland reserves or natural burial grounds — are not always present in some countries, there are usually no restrictions on planting a tree pod in your own backyard. However, it is always wise to check local regulations.
Which religions accept tree pod burials?
Because tree pod burials are currently only possible with ashes, they are only supported by religions that allow cremation.
Conclusion
While not perhaps as eco-friendly as a green burial, tree pod burials encapsulate the idea of life coming full circle. Out of the ashes of a life, a new tree grows, fostering thoughts of hope and regeneration. The sense of connection that planting a tree together inspires can also be an important part of the grief and healing process for family members left behind. Tree pod burial is a choice we can make today that will enhance the beauty of part of the Earth for generations to come.