Death is a topic most of us—young, old, healthy, or otherwise—shy away from. Despite our staff’s general obsession with details and planning, many TCD reviewers admit to sidestepping thoughts on end-of-life planning for loved ones. It doesn’t help that traditional options are not only bleak, but also quite costly.

And while traditional services provide a space for friends and family to remember the deceased, the setting is typically stuffy and somber—hardly a celebration of a life well lived. That's why when we came across Better Place Forests—a service that helps you spread ashes in a protected forest at the base of a Memorial Tree—we were intrigued. We visited one of the company’s Memorial Forests, delved into the details of their end-of-life offering, and sought out the experiences of their customers.

Read on to find out if Better Place Forests is a truly compelling alternative to cemeteries for your family.

‍

Touring a Forest

If you take a look at the Better Place Forests website, you’ll probably be struck by the grandeur of their many forests. But does the real thing compare? In short, yes, and then some. 

We took a trip to the Point Arena forest, located on the rugged Northern Californian coastline. We were met by a Better Place Forests Guide who gave us a tour. The forest pathway was dotted with patches of coastal wildflowers. We came to a towering Redwood, its thick bark a medley of reddish-brown tones. Its impressive height was a testament to decades of growth. We learned how the forest is legally protected, and how ashes are returned to the earth in a way that promotes the ecosystem.

Nestled at its base of the tree was a bronze plaque, engraved with names, dates, and a quote. Nearby, a wooden bench faced the tree, offering visitors a place to sit and reflect, with the sound of birds and rustling trees creating a peaceful soundtrack. We’ve done our best to describe the experience, but only seeing in person will do this particular forest justice. 

‍

A Memorial Service Unlike Any Other

“I heard from nearly everyone in attendance that Ruth’s Forest Memorial was beautiful and unlike anything they had ever experienced before. The serenity and beauty of our surroundings only served to heighten the feelings we experienced as we laid my sister to rest. It was truly beyond beautiful.” —Kathryn M., Better Place Forests Customer, Santa Cruz, CA

Honoring a loved one in a peaceful forest, surrounded by the sounds of nature is the unique end-of-life experience promised by Better Place Forests.

Customers describe the intimate ceremony where family and friends gather to spread ashes as “healing” “interactive” and “cathartic.”

I talked to the Forest Guides at Point Arena to understand how it all works. From learning more, choosing a tree, visiting a forest, to the ceremony and beyond, the entire process is facilitated by a guide, with the goal of removing stress and burden from grieving families.

The Forest Memorial can be customized, but typically goes like this: First, ashes are integrated with native forest soil so they can become a part of the forest ecosystem. Your group is welcomed to participate in this process. Then wildflower petals are added, as a symbol of new life. 

The group then proceeds to the Memorial Tree, where a “nest” on forest floor holds the ash and soil mixture. People often stay at the tree, sharing memories, readings, songs, or prayers. Several days later when the ground has settled, the Better Place Forests team places the Memorial Marker.

Memorial guests are often struck by how different a Forest Memorial is from a traditional funeral. They mention the soothing and meditative nature of the experience - and how much they’ll enjoy visiting the tree and watching it grow.

“What came as a wonderful surprise is the reverence and respect the staff contributed to our Forest Memorial. They guided us through the steps of returning our loved one to the natural world. We left knowing she will be cared for. We can watch the growth of the tree that now embodies her spirit." —Chris B, Customer, Lake Arrowhead, CA

‍

‍

A Lasting Legacy

“My two-year-old great granddaughter, when she is twenty, can come to Better Place Forests, hug Tall Red, listen to the forest, sing and smile.” —Fannielee L., Client, Santa Cruz, CA

Customers consistently mention that the main draw of Better Place Forests is the idea that a tree, connected to the ashes of their loved one, will continue to grow, thrive and provide a connection to generations to come. 

‍Generational Connection: Customers mention a sense of continuity, where future descendants can visit the same tree and feel a connection to ancestors they may have never met. It becomes more than just a resting place—it's a living testament.

‍A Living Ecosystem: Many have expressed comfort in the thought that their loved ones are actively contributing to the forest ecosystem. Their essence, through their ashes, becomes a part of the soil, and by extension, the forest.

‍Storytelling and Memory: Instead of somber reflection in a graveyard, families feel connected to life and their loved ones when they visit the forest. Connecting memories and stories to the forest is uplifting, especially for younger ones.

‍Symbolism: Trees are symbols of strength, growth, and life in numerous cultures. Becoming a part of such a symbol resonates with many who see it as a representation of life's cyclical nature.

“Picking out a tree, a symbol of family and strength, felt right. My parent's tree provides more than a place to visit. It provides a symbolic reminder of my connection, my purpose, and my place in this life." —Michelle C., Customer, St. Croix Valley Forest, MN

‍

‍

Returning to Nature in a Protected Forest

"What I like about Better Place Forests is that since the placing of my family’s ashes, it's so easy for my loved ones to visit. There’s something about having a marker, having a place, making a pilgrimage to go to and visit that is very important. I love that my family has become a part of a living, vibrant forest." —Lea G., Customer, Point Arena CA,

Traditional burial practices can be resource-intensive. To create a cemetery, land must be cleared, and burials involve materials like metal, treated wood, embalming fluid and petrochemicals that do not decompose sustainably.

Better Place Forests customers focus on the company's commitment to environmental stewardship. By offering a green alternative to traditional burial, the company resonates with those who want to give back to the earth in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Better Place Forests also plants between 25 and 500 new saplings with every Memorial Tree purchase to help reforest American forestland for future generations. These saplings are often planted in national and state forests that have been affected by drought, wildfire, and invasive species. The company owns the Memorial Forests and use best-in-class forest management practices to preserve them.

“For years I worried about where my final resting place would be. I don't like graveyards. I love the beauty and sounds and smells of nature. I didn't want to end up polluting the earth or ocean. The thought of being in a serene, beautiful forest together with my parents, dogs, and hopefully my children and their families forever brings me a sense of relief and peace.” —Diane M., Customer, Flagstaff, AZ

‍

‍

Cost

"We found that traditional burial is twice the cost, and what you get is very limited. With Better Place Forests you get the entire forest, a new existence, and a new beginning." —Spencer R., Customer, Point Arena, CA

The average burial – including a plot, casket, and headstone – can cost over $15k, in addition to ongoing cemetery expenses.

Customers mention Better Place Forests as an affordable alternative to traditional burial. Their Memorial Trees start at $4,900; additional ash-spreading rights can be added for family members ($1,500) and pets ($300). Those prices include ongoing access to the forest and the planting of saplings in honor of each customer. The saplings are planted in national and state forestland to repopulate areas affected by drought, wildfire, and disease.

‍

Professionalism and Compassion

"Every time we visit, we're struck by the peace and serenity. ‍The staff has been so kind and compassionate. Our family truly appreciates their thoughtfulness and gentle care at such a difficult time in our lives." —Rose S., Customer, Yosemite Gateway, CA

End-of-life planning is emotionally charged, and customers have highlighted their positive experiences with Better Place Forests staff, from the initial consultations to the memorial service and beyond.

Guidance Through the Process: Customers remark on the clear explanations and no-pressure environment created by the Better Place Forests team, whether it's about the specifics of the Forest Memorial ceremony, the selection of a tree, or the long-term care commitments.

Sensitive Handling of Ceremonies: Customers note how staff manage Forest Memorials with a gentle touch, allowing families the space to grieve, remember, and celebrate life while also ensuring the process is carried out seamlessly.

Personalized Attention: Customers appreciate the genuine effort made by the team to understand and cater to individual needs and wishes, rather than following a one-size-fits-all approach.

Responsive Communication: Better Place Forests is prompt in replying to queries and their proactiveness in addressing any concerns or special requests.

Holistic Care Approach: Customers note the aftercare support, including periodic updates about the forest or their specific tree, guidance on visits, and even the provision of resources for grief counseling or support.

Respect for Wishes: End-of-life ceremonies come with certain rituals, traditions, or wishes that families hold dear. Customers credit the Better Place Forests team as flexible and understanding. They ensure the ceremony aligns with the family's desires.

“Doug’s memorial was as he would have wanted it. It will be so much easier to remember the joys and happy times when we visit a living forest and see, feel, smell, and touch the nature that was so important in Doug's life." —Mary T., Customer, St. Croix Valley, MN

‍

‍

Areas for Concern

While the feedback we gathered for Better Place Forests was quite positive—as was our own interactions with the company—we encourage potential customers to be aware of the following critiques.

Location Limitations: Not everyone lives near a Memorial Forest, which are generally in more remote locations. This can make regular visits challenging, especially for older family members.

Accessibility: Forest locations can pose challenges for those with mobility issues. While they do have mobility quads to help people navigate the forest, this could be a concern.

Scheduling a Memorial: With limitations due to weather and their growing customer base, some people have mentioned waiting several months to schedule their Forest Memorial.

‍

Final Thoughts

Whether planning for the future, or navigating the emotional experience of laying a loved one to rest, end-of-life planning can be difficult, stressful, and expensive.

Better Place Forests provides a compelling alternative, intertwining commemoration, legacy, and the healing power of nature. For those looking for a meaningful, sustainable way to celebrate and honor loved ones, we feel that Better Place Forests offers a wonderful option.

‍