Tree Coffins vs Tree Pods (Reviewing All 3 Tree Funeral Options)

Georgette Kilgore headshot, wearing 8 Billion Trees shirt with forest in the background.Written by Georgette Kilgore

Eco-Friendly Natural Products | November 9, 2023

Couple with a man on the right and woman on the left of tree coffins, showing the large burial pod underneath.

If you’ve been planning a funeral for yourself or a loved one, tree coffins would have surely crossed your mind. Most people opt for a funeral tree pod, a cremation tree pod, or a tree cemetery pod.

Irrespective of your choice, most people prefer being buried in a tree or spending eternity in a death pod tree. So which is best for you? Keep reading to find out.

Option #1. Tree Funeral: What Is a Funeral Tree Pod?

A funeral tree pod is a way to preserve the remains of your loved one. The pods are made from eco friendly natural products and are designed to be beautiful and durable.

A funeral tree pod is typically in the shape of a cocoon, but you can also get them in different forms like hearts or just plain old trees. (More details below)

What Are Burial Pods?

Burial pods are alternatives to coffins. Each burial pod is organic, and the body, along with the pod, decays naturally, eventually turning into a tree.

Burial pods are made of biodegradable materials that decompose after burial

The pods contain natural and recycled material and can be made from various plant fibers. The pods can also be made from materials such as bamboo, hemp, or cotton.

How Does a Tree Cemetery Pod Work?

A tree cemetery pod is a green burial pod that allows you to be buried in a tree.

The pods are made from biodegradable materials, such as wood fibers or recycled plastics. They are covered with a layer of soil and topped with a wooden lid.

A tree cemetery pod can be placed into trees when they have been planted and have reached their full height.

What Does Being Buried as a Tree Mean?

Being buried as a tree symbolizes death, but it also means rebirth. When a person dies, they are buried in the ground so their body can decompose and return to the Earth.

The decomposition process takes weeks or even months, but eventually, all the individual pieces of the body will break down, leaving only bones behind. During this time, the Earth absorbs its energy and uses it to grow new life. When someone is being buried as a tree, it means that they have been reborn into another form – a new life created from their old one.5

Why Do People Choose a Death Pod Tree?

People choose a death pod tree because they want to be able to continue living on Earth in some form after their death. Trees are a common symbol of life in cultures around the world, and trees have long been believed to be able to bring back the dead. Using a death pod tree for burial is an excellent way to celebrate life after death.

Option #2. Cremation: How Does a Cremation Tree Pod Work (Biodegradable Urn)?

A cremation tree pod is a biodegradable urn that contains the ashes of your loved ones along with a seedling of your choice. The seedling is planted in soil, which will grow into a tree.

The cremation tree pod was designed to help people honor the memory of their loved ones by connecting them to the Earth, where they can live on forever.

 

This is accomplished by keeping them in an urn that allows them to continue growing and changing as time passes without being subjected to the elements or decomposing as they would if buried in the ground.

Why Is Planting a Memorial Tree With Ashes So Significant?

A memorial tree with ashes is a powerful way to honor someone who has passed away. It’s also an effective way to ensure they’ll never be forgotten. A memorial tree commemorates a loved one by connecting their life with the Earth, and it can be used as a tool to educate others about death and dying.

A memorial tree planted with ashes can bring comfort and support to those grieving the loss of a friend or family member. The ashes will remind them of their loved ones in the place where they feel most comfortable, and the tree will help them feel connected to nature during this difficult time.

Aside from planting trees carbon offset, planting a memorial tree with ashes not only strengthens the idea of helping our environment but also helps people find closure on significant life transitions such as death or divorce, which can be challenging for everyone involved. It’s also a great way to honor veterans and military families who have suffered a loss due to war or other violence.

What Does a Green Burial for a Tree Symbolize?

A green burial for a tree symbolizes the tree’s life, which should be respected and honored. The life of a tree begins when it is planted in the ground and continues through its growth into maturity. As it grows, it produces fruit and flowers that nourish humans and other living things—including bees and birds.

What Happens to the Tree When Being Buried Using Tree Coffins?

The leaves fall from the branches and eventually return to the soil as nutrients for future trees to use.

Eventually, when the tree stops producing leaves, its body decomposes in the soil until new life can begin again. A green burial for a tree signifies that we must treat our planet with respect, as it provides us with all we need to survive and thrive.

Option #3. Natural Burial: What Is a Natural Burial for a Tree Using Tree Coffins?

A green burial is a way to honor a deceased loved one while also helping the environment.1 It’s a way to show respect for the person who has died while simultaneously ensuring that they are buried in a way that will help their body decompose naturally.

Many cultures consider trees sacred, so it only makes sense that this would be true for those cultures as well. Trees have been used in religious rituals throughout history, and they have also been used as symbols of life itself.

This action is one of the answers to the question: Why is sustainable use of natural resources important? Green burials are becoming more common in the United States as people realize how important it is to take care of our natural resources by using them responsibly instead of recklessly using them or destroying them altogether.

What Is a Tree Burial?

Tree burial is a way of remembering someone you love by giving them a special place. It’s a way to honor the person’s life and a great way to remember them when you’re feeling sad or alone.

A tree burial can be done at your home or garden, or you can have it done at the funeral home where you choose to bury your loved one. The cemetery will help you arrange for an appropriate container for the body.

What’s the Relevance of a Tree Pod Burial?

A tree pod burial is a way of disposing of the dead that has been used throughout history.4 It’s most commonly used in the Amazon, where it’s believed to have originated.

The pod is cut open, and the body is placed inside. The pods have been used as coffins since ancient times and are still used today. There are several reasons why a tree pod burial might be more appropriate than other ways of disposing of a body:

  • It’s more natural than other forms of burial, which can cause pollution problems in some areas.
  • The pods decompose very quickly. This makes it easier for them to be disposed of later without creating an additional burden on the environment.
  • The pods can fit into any area that would usually be used for housing or sheltering animals.

This can actually contribute to building a globally green environment in a very personal way.

How Much Does a Tree Pod Burial Cost and What Affects the Price?

Tree pod burials cost anywhere between $400 and $500. This is, however, only the cost of the burial pod and does not include the funeral cost. The overall cost can go up to $2,000 and if you opt for a biodegradable urn, it will cost you up to $300.

The cost of a tree pod burial is affected by many factors, including the type of tree pod you purchase and the size/width of the tree pod.

The cost also depends on how far away you are from the funeral home. The farther you are from your funeral home, the more expensive it will be to have a tree pod burial.

However, there are ways to offset this cost. For example, if you want a tree pod burial in New York City and live in Detroit, Michigan, you could fly out for your service and then fly back for your burial. This would significantly reduce travel costs and help ensure that you can afford a tree pod burial for your loved one.

How Much Is the Overall ‘Become a Tree When You Die’ Cost?

The cost of becoming a tree depends on several factors: where you live, the species of tree you want to become, and the amount of time you have left in your life. For example, oaks can take almost 50 years before they reach maturity, and it can cost a lot to get your oak tree from seedling to a mature plant.

If you have a maple tree in your yard, you’ll be able to enjoy the full flavor of its leaves for years to come if you die soon after planting it.

 

If you have something like a cherry tree or an apple tree in your backyard, though…well, that’s going to be up to nature!

What Are the Popular Tree Pod Burial Locations USA?

It is estimated that there are over 350 hybrid cemeteries across the United States.3 This helps people bury their loved ones naturally. Below are some of the most popular tree pod burial locations in the United States:

  • Memorial Lake View Cemetery in Utah
  • Colorado Burial Preserve in Colorado
  • Mountain Creek Cemetery in Texas
  • Mount Auburn Cemetery in Massachusetts
  • Ramsey Creek Preserve in South Carolina
  • Forever Fernwood in California
  • Foxfield Preserve in Ohio

How To Choose the Best Tree Pod Burial Locations

Choosing a tree pod burial location is a little bit like choosing the best place to build your dream garden. You have to consider everything from your personal preferences to the local climate, and then you have to choose something that will work well in the space you have available.

If you’re looking for an easy access spot, consider choosing a site near your home or office. This will make it easier for friends and family members who want to pay their respects and yourself if you need assistance during the funeral process or after the ceremony has ended.

You also want to find a place where it’s easy for people unfamiliar with cemetery regulations to feel comfortable visiting – that means avoiding areas like graveyards with high fences or locked gates or areas that are hard to access by car.

It would help if you also thought about how much room you have available around your chosen tree. If there is too much space, it might be difficult for people attending the funeral ceremony to hear prayers being recited. The tree may not flourish as well as you’d want if there isn’t sufficient space.

How To Find the Best Organic Burial Pods Near Me

Organic burial pods are a great way to ensure that your loved one’s remains are treated with the utmost respect and dignity. However, finding the best organic burial pods can be a challenge.2

There are several things that you should look at before making this decision. For example:

  • What types of locations are available near me?
  • Which ones have been certified by the USDA?
  • What kind of service is offered?

You should also look at the soil where you want to bury your loved one.

 

Another thing that you need to consider is the temperature in which they will be buried. It would help if you also considered the space available for them.

What Affects the Capsula Mundi Cost?

The cost of a Capsula Mundi (biodegradable urn) varies due to various factors, including the type of urn and material used. The most expensive biodegradable urns are made from resin, an affordable material often used in commercial products such as jewelry and electronics.

The cost of a biodegradable urn can also be affected by whether or not the material is tested for safety and its size and shape.

Tree Pod Burial Laws per State

StateTree Pod Burial Law
Tree Pod Burial AlabamaLegally required to hire a funeral director
Tree Pod Burial AlaskaFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial ArizonaFuneral director not needed however you must embalm the body within 24 hours
Tree Pod Burial ArkansasFuneral director is required.
Tree Pod Burial CaliforniaSpecial permit needed for private property burials
Tree Pod Burial ColoradoFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial ConnecticutLegally required to hire a funeral director
Tree Pod Burial DelawareFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial FloridaFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial GeorgiaFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial HawaiiFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial IdahoFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial IllinoisLegally required to hire a funeral director
Tree Pod Burial IndianaSpecial permit needed for private property burials and legally required to hire a funeral director
Tree Pod Burial IowaLegally required to hire a funeral director
Tree Pod Burial KansasFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial KentuckyFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial LouisianaSpecial permit needed for private property burials
Tree Pod Burial MaineFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial MarylandFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial MassachusettsFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial MichiganSpecial permit needed for private property burials
Tree Pod Burial MinnesotaFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial MississippiFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial MissouriFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial MontanaFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial NebraskaSpecial permit needed for private property burials
Tree Pod Burial NevadaFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial New HampshireFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial New JerseySpecial permit needed for private property burials
Tree Pod Burial New MexicoFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial New YorkSpecial permit needed for private property burials
Tree Pod Burial North CarolinaFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial North DakotaFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial OhioFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial OklahomaFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial OregonFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial PennsylvaniaFuneral director not needed and body must be refrigerated if the burial is beyond 24 hours
Tree Pod Burial Rhode IslandFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial South CarolinaFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial South DakotaFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial TennesseeFuneral director not needed and embalming not needed
Tree Pod Burial TexasFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial UtahFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial VermontFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial VirginiaFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial West VirginiaFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial WisconsinFuneral director not needed
Tree Pod Burial WyomingFuneral director not needed

How To Look for the Best Tree Pod Burial Near Me

The best way to look for a tree pod burial near you is by doing your research on the company. You will want to check out their reviews, rating, and feedback from previous customers. You can also visit their website and see if they have a demo of the products they sell.

Another way to determine if the company has good reviews and ratings is by looking at online directories. These directories let you search businesses by name and address so you can see what other nearby people say about them.

Finally, it would help if you considered checking out local business directories. This will give you an idea of what kind of businesses are available in your area because they might not be listed in other types of directories because they don’t meet certain criteria.

Does Tree Pod Burial USA Have Any Regulations?

Yes, tree pod burial does have regulations. It is important to note that these regulations are not the same for all areas of the country.

In some states, you can only perform tree pod burials if you have a permit from your local government. These burials are a great way to honor your loved ones and pay tribute to their legacy.

In some states, there are no specific rules about how many trees you can bury and where you can perform tree pod burials.4 In some, burying in national forest land or on federally-protected lands is illegal.

How To Choose the Best Cocoon Tree Pod Burial for You

The cocoon tree pod burial is a popular choice for many people, but it can be hard to know what kind of cocoons you should choose or how to prepare for burial. Here are some tips for ensuring your cocoon tree pods will last forever!

  1. Look for still green pods that haven’t started to dry out yet. This will ensure that your cocoons will last longer and stay fresher longer.
  2. Choose pods that aren’t split open too much – if they are, you should use them as soon as possible! Split pods may appear healthy when first picked, but once air gets inside the pod and the plant dies, it’s not going to last long enough to get buried properly.
  3. Try to choose pods with intact leaves; this means less work for you when preparing them for burial.

Choosing the best cocoon tree pod burial can be tricky but it’s one of the initiatives that we can take in helping nature. Know that there are other actions that you can take to further expand this idea which is finding the best carbon credit providers.

Through using the environmental footprint calculator, you’d be able to know the preventive measures that you need to take to lessen your negative impacts you have on this planet.

What To Expect When Bearing a Tree Burial Cost?

There are a few things to consider when bearing a tree burial cost. First, you’ll need to know how much you can spare. If you’re going to spend a lot of money on a tree burial, it’s essential to have enough money in the bank to cover it.

Second, plan for any potential complications. If your loved one has any special needs or preferences, be sure you know what they are ahead of time and have everything ready for them.

Third, think about how long it will take for the service provider to complete their work. This will help determine whether it’s worth waiting for the service provider or if another option might better suit your family member’s needs.

How Much Does a Tree Pod Burial Cost?

Tree pod burials are a popular option for those who want to have a loved one’s remains disposed of in an environmentally-friendly way. Burial sites can be found throughout the country.

The price of a tree pod burial depends on several factors, including the pod size you choose, how many pods you want to buy, and where you live. In some areas, tree pod burials are free; in others, they cost nearly $2,000 per person – though this amount varies widely depending on location and other factors.

 

Now that you know a lot about tree coffins, you can consider a funeral tree pod or a cremation tree pod for you or your family members. Always remember to check the tree cemetery pod site before being buried in tree coffins as a tree or picking your death pod tree.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tree Coffins

The popularity of tree coffins has been growing over the past few years. People are choosing this natural way of burial to give back to the environment. Here are some frequently asked questions to help clarify the process.

Is Capsula Mundi Legal in the US?

Capsula Mundi is legal in the US, provided they are not made of any materials that can harm the environment or wildlife. The ashes must be in a sealed container and buried in a designated area.


References

1City of Waukesha. (2022). Green/Natural Options. City of Waukesha. Retrieved August 30, 2022, from <https://www.waukesha-wi.gov/government/departments/green-natural.php>

2Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (2022). Preservation Guidelines for Municipally Owned Historic Burial Grounds and Cemeteries. Mass.gov. Retrieved August 30, 2022, from <https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2018/01/16/preservation-guidelines-cemeteries.pdf>

3DOE – Office of Scientific and Technical Information. (2018, July 15). Sample Records for Curonian Cremation Burials. Science.gov. Retrieved August 30, 2022, from <https://www.science.gov/topicpages/c/curonian+cremation+burials.html>

4Perry, W. R., Howson, J., & Bianco, B. A. (Eds.). (2009). Volume 2 • The Archaeology of the New York African Burial Ground. (Vol. 2, pt. 2) U.S. General Services Administration. Retrieved August 30, 2022, from <https://www.gsa.gov/cdnstatic/Vol2-Part2-ArchOfNYABG-BurialDescriptions_Burial368-431.pd>

5Bluehouse Group. (2015). Opening, Closing, and Maintenance of a Green Burial Grave. Vermont General Assembly. Retrieved August 30, 2022, from <https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2018/WorkGroups/House%20General/Bills/H.3/Copies%20of%20Testimony/H.3~Lee%20Webster~Opening,%20Closing,%20and%20Maintenance%20of%20a%20Green%20Burial%20Grave~2-7-2017.pdf>

6Image Source: Capsula Mundi – Burial Pods <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHkZZNlxLzo>