Stay connected in nature
Meaningful memorialization in the forest
See our Privacy Policy to learn how we use your information.


who we are
A nonprofit inspiring people to turn to nature for healing and remembrance.
Instead of a tombstone, a Memorial Tree is a protected place to return ashes to the earth. A custom inscribed Memorial Marker and an intimate in-forest ceremony honor life. Better Place Forests’ community spans nine forest locations and hundreds of thousands of supporters who want to honor life in a new, natural way.
Every Memorial Tree includes


Your choice of tree in a protected forest


Rights to add people and pets in the future


Ongoing access to the forest


Contribution to conservation and grief education
Trusted Support for What Comes Next
We’ve partnered with Everis, founded by the team behind Better Place Forests, to guide your full journey—from choosing a Memorial Tree to cremation, insurance, and digital memorials.
Your forest and ceremony remain with Better Place Forests. Everis is here to support the rest.

Your Memorial Tree helps preserve and protect a beautiful forest that your family can visit for generations to come. Speak with a local Guide to learn more.
See our Privacy Policy to learn how we use your information.
Memorial Trees start at $6,200
Payment plans are available

Keepsake Ponderosa Pine #735

Overheard from our Guides
With sweeping views from the front of Ponderosa Passage, this tree is easily accessible from the forest’s entrance. Behind it lies a wetland meadow yielding sunflowers and Larkspur in spring, with expansive skies above.

Legacy Black Birch #945

Overheard from our Guides
Two trees, fused at their base into one, stand as a unique testament to the interconnectedness of nature’s creations. Their intertwined roots and shared growth symbolize unity and strength, embodying the resilience of life’s bonds.

Monument Redwood #2019

Overheard from our Guides
This tree lives in busy area of our forest with squirrels, birds and deer feasting on tanoak acorns. It grows from and was nourished by the mother stump next to it which is also now home to a huckleberry bush.
Explore Our Forests

“Mixing the ashes with the soil – our guests’ reaction was ‘This is so Andre.’ It is one more step in our healing.”
Deb L.
Flagstaff Memorial Forest, Arizona

“Having our tree has given me a gift. It’s as if Matt wanted me to have this special place to visit.”
Kim A.
Point Arena Memorial Forest, California

“It was just exactly what I imagined and more.”
Kris L.
Flagstaff Memorial Forest, Arizona

Return to nature with a Forest Memorial
Plan a Forest Memorial with the help of a dedicated Guide at every step of the way. From choosing the perfect tree to crafting your marker inscriptions, we’re here to support you.

Join our Forest Community
Learn more about our nonprofit’s mission to guide people through loss with nature.
See our Privacy Policy to learn how we use your information.

