When I die I think I'd like to have a tree planted over my coffin - would this be good or bad for the tree?

Question

Would the type of tree matter?

I'd really rather just have the coffin, maybe cardboard, between me and the tree!

Answer 1

I've just read the article about "Green Burial" in Seattle Times! There are only a few cemetary practice this. After you die, your body will not be preserved with harsh chemicals and your body will put in a simple wooden casket. Then the casket will be buried directly in the ground. There will be no concrete vault around the casket, and so you and the casket will decompose naturally and go back to nature. You cannot have a headstone, but your loved one can plant some small bush or maybe a tree, and mark the spot with only things like rocks, something your loved one can find near by. Everything has to be natural. Your loved one will find your 'spot' with GPS system. Isn't this something? Since the casket and your remain will be decomposed, a tree won't mind it.

Answer 2

Depends on if the graveyard will allow a tree to be planted there. Some don't even like headstones sticking up because they are too hard to mow around. Best thing to do is find a graveyard that has a plot next to a tree...buy it now before someone else does.

Answer 3

It will not bother the tree.
More than likally, you will have a cement vault, surrounding the casket. You would want to make sure you are deep enough, that the roots could surround your space, and still have enought earth to grow. You will be down 6 feet, to all will be fine.

No - It will not hurt the tree. Have the burial hole filled with half dirt and half fertilizer to give the tree a good start. He he.

Answer 4

Depends on the chemicals you're embalmed with. Don't think formaldehyde is good for anything growing. No chemical treatment would be optimum as your body decomposes it releases nutrients that plants and trees can use.

An example; grass and wild flowers grew lushly on the side of the road where the dead dog had lay. He had adopted us, followed my son to the bus stop, got smacked by a car...son was devastated, but we enjoyed "Old Man's" wild flowers.

Answer 5

I really dunno, Skidoo, but our Church cemetry has many Lebarnums planted at random. I remember my Aunt used to stand & stare at them with a huge smile on her face as their yellow blossoms are sight to see in the month of May. She expired 2years ago & it pleases me that she is under the trees she loved so much.

Honestly, Skidoo, there are days when you can't see a single green leaf...its just clouds of sprays of yellow blossoms & they are so light they get blown with the wind & make a carpet below the trees, covering each grave delicately. The yellow is such a cheery, sunny colour that it kinda dispels the gloom normally associated with a cemetry.

Also i've noticed that 'cos they are so pretty, most people turn their eyes Heaven-ward at our cemetry which is just the way it should be!
xx

Answer 6

Your thought like Hochiminh's, the late president of Vietnam, he also wants to have a tree planted over the pot of his bone-ash in the ground. I think that's good for the tree.

Answer 7

I don't think the tree would mind, but the roots might tickle your nose. RScott

Answer 8

hi skidoo, this is blue, what a morbid question, i hope youre not going to die, not yet any way, but it would be a lovely idea

Answer 9

Taxus Bicata they live for about 1,200 yrs.