Living Tributes
A tree, like a person, is complex and multi-faceted with unique characteristics that define its personality and make it stand out from others. Every tree is different and special in its own way.
Honoring a loved one or a transformative event is a meaningful and symbolic gesture that represents the everlasting presence of the memory or person who has passed. Planting a tree or a grove of trees, in lieu of flowers, creates a legacy that will continue to grow and flourish for generations to come.
A tree dedication represents:
- Remembrance: a tree represents strength, resilience, and longevity and can serve as a living reminder
- Growth: celebrate by fostering new life and growth. The tree will continue to grow and thrive, just as the memories will live on.
- Giving Back: a way to give back to the environment and create a positive impact on the planet, allowing people to connect with nature and the natural world
- Healing: a tree can be a therapeutic and healing experience for those who are grieving. It provides a sense of purpose and a way to channel emotions.
We offer 3 Living Tribute options
We have 3 different tree species to choose from, based on your personal preference and the specific qualities of the tree species that are most meaningful to you and your loved one.
- Douglas Fir
- Ponderosa Pine
- White Oak
Our Living Tribute tree plantings are locally sourced, native trees and generally take place in the fall or spring to take advantage of the weather conditions and soil temperature, which are optimal for tree growth and establishment.
Every Honorary Tree is thoughtfully planted at Great River, rejuvenating and restoring lands once scarred by wildfire or development. As each tree matures, it symbolizes timeless love, cherished memories, enduring legacies and a deep connection to the cycles of life, strengthening our intrinsic bond with the earth.
Your Honorary Tree includes:
- Your choice of native, locally sourced Ponderosa Pine or Douglas Fir
- Seedlings are 2 years old and bare root
- Dedication recorded in the permanent records of Great River Natural Burial
- Planting in an area identified by environmental assessment to restore or create natural habitats and fully functioning ecosystems. Some of these areas have been previously damaged by wildfire, insects/disease or past land development.
- Optional upgrade – cenotaph engraving for an additional fee
- Comes with your choice of an electronic or physical card
Every Memorial Tree is thoughtfully planted within of our memorial groves, creating a space of remembrance and connection, rejuvenating and restoring lands once scarred by wildfire or development. As each tree matures, it symbolizes timeless love, cherished memories, enduring legacies and a deep connection to the cycles of life, strengthening our intrinsic bond with the earth.
The first three years of a tree’s life are the most vulnerable, requiring special care and attention to ensure healthy growth. Included with your Memorial Tree is our Custom Care Package. Our Custom Care Package is designed to offer support during this time, ensuring your tribute thrives. This three-year package includes:
- Mulching: enhancing water retention, curbing competitive growth, and fostering the essential mycorrhizal association.
- Seasonal Watering: supplementing hydration during dry season
- Wildlife Protection: a temporary fence shields your tree from wildlife during its most susceptible stage.
- Guaranteed Growth: in the rare instance of unsuccessful establishment, we commit to your tribute’s replacement within the first three years.
Your Memorial Tree also includes:
- Your choice of native, locally sourced Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, or White Oak
- Seedlings are 2 – 4 years old and potted
- Planting in your choice of Great River Natural Burial Groves
- A Custom Care Package and 3-year guarantee
- GPS coordinates and the dedication recorded in the permanent records of Great River Natural Burial
- Optional upgrade of wooden plaque, natural log headstone, memorial stone headstone, or cenotaph engraving for an additional fee
- Your choice of an electronic or physical card
The dedication of an existing tree in one of our memorial groves allows customers to choose a mature tree, each with its own unique personality and character. Some trees bear scars from wildfire and other hardships, symbolizing resilience and the cycle of life. By dedicating an existing tree, you create a space of remembrance, and an enduring tribute.
Your Dedication of an Existing Tree includes:
- Choice of established Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir or White Oak in one of our memorial groves.
- Wooden “necklace” plaque installed around the tree. Plaque is made from salvaged timber from Great River and is engraved with your personalized message. Wooden plaque oiled, and allowed to naturally degrade over time. It can be replaced for a fee.
- GPS coordinates, and Great River recording of dedication in permanent cemetery records.
- Optional upgrade of wooden plaque “necklace” with natural log headstone, memorial stone headstone, or cenotaph engraving for an additional fee.
(for Memorial Trees and Existing Tree Dedications)
Our Living Tribute wooden plaques are crafted from salvaged timber from the Great River property and are engraved with your personalized message. Wooden plaques are oiled and allowed to naturally degrade over time.
Wooden plaques are not available for purchase with Honorary Tree dedications. Plaques purchased with a Memorial Tree Planting are initially installed on a post at the base of the seedling and later moved to a tree “necklace” as the tree grows. Wooden plaques included with an Existing Tree Dedication are installed as a “necklace” around the tree. “Necklaces” expand as the tree grows, providing a safe and gentle way to attach your personalized message to your tree dedication.
Our custom seed mixture contains 9 different varieties of wildflower native to Great River, well suited to the local climate and soil conditions, and packaged in a 2.25 x 3.5 seed packet. Due to the small seed size for many of the plants, our mixture is “bulked up” with an inert, naturally occurring mineral called vermiculite. The seed mixture can be hand scattered over the planting site directly onto the soil surface.
