The loss of a loved one is never easy. When someone close to us passes away, it can feel like the world’s literally crashing around us. Grief manifests itself in many forms, and the healing process looks different for everyone. One easy and popular way to honor the memory of someone who’s passed on is with a living tribute in the form of a tree memorial gift.
If you’re interested in this unique way of honoring a loved one, keep reading.
What is a Tree Memorial Gift?
A tree memorial gift is a unique way to celebrate the life of a departed loved one. The concept involves having a tree or grove of trees planted in honor of your cherished one in a national forest or park of your choosing. With each order, the tree planting organization will plant the seedlings and tend to the young trees under the supervision of the Forest Service.
Besides planting the memorial trees, these organizations also provide a personalized commemorative card notifying the gift recipient of the planting. This meaningful card stamped with your personal message serves as a touching memento of the gift.
Why Choose a Tree Memorial?
There are many reasons why tree memorial gifts resonate with those processing loss. Here are just a few of the benefits:
- It provides the chance to honor your loved one by giving the gift of life. Watching a sapling grow into maturity is quite a unique and telling way to commemorate a life well-lived.
- Just like any tree of course, memorial trees clean our air, provide oxygen, prevent soil erosion, and create wildlife habitats. Your gift will leave a lasting environmental impact.
- It allows you to select a meaningful location for the planting, like your loved one’s favorite park or forest. This creates a sentimental space to visit and reflect.
- The commemorative card gives family and friends a touching reminder of the gift of trees planting in their honor.
How to Select the Perfect Memorial Tree
Choosing a tree-planting organization is the first step in creating a meaningful memorial gift. Reputable nonprofits will plant your trees under the direction of the U.S. Forest Service in National Forests and parks across America. These areas desperately need restoration and reforestation.
When selecting a tree type, it helps to consider your loved one’s personality and favorites. Were they an aspiring oak or a graceful willow? Picking a tree that reflects their spirit adds significance to your gift. Native trees that thrive in that environment are ideal selections. The organization you choose can recommend the perfect species.
If your loved one had a favorite outdoor space, you may be able to choose that specific park or forest as your planting location. Otherwise, you can select a meaningful state or region. Adding a personal inscription to the commemorative card makes your gift even more special.
A Living Memorial
The grief of losing someone dear to us can feel insurmountable. Cherished memories and keepsakes help keep their spirit alive. A tree memorial gift is a beautiful unique way to honor someone’s enduring legacy with new life. Like love, these majestic trees will continue growing for decades or even centuries to come.
