Due to their green color and calming appearance, trees best represent nature. Nature without trees is like an ocean without water: meaningless and bland. Trees also represent wisdom, strength, and protection.
Tree pods combine all these elements and act as the final, biodegradable home for remains. Their increasing popularity can be determined by the fact that the green burial industry is estimated to reach $1.21 billion by 2030.
Choose kindness.
You never know what battles people may be fighting.
What is a Tree Pod Burial?
As the name suggests, a tree pod burial is an egg-shaped burial pod that houses human remains in a natural fiber cloth that degrades with time. As the human body degrades on Earth, it releases nutrients and microbes that feed the plant above and help it grow.
So, an old organism gives life to a new organism in an eco-friendly manner. Two Italian designers, Francesco D’Angelo and Adriano Del Ferro, first unveiled the concept in 2016. They called it the Capsula Mundi project, which has since evolved into more refined forms of green burials.
Today, a smaller version of the original tree pod holds the deceased’s ashes. However, it works similarly to the original design of tree pods for natural burials. A tree is planted above the capsule while it grows and takes its nutrients from underneath.
How Much Does Tree Pod Burial Cost?
Luckily, the tree pod burial is both an eco-conscious choice and cheaper than traditional burial services. With the anticipated rise in 2024 funeral costs, traditional burials can cost you up to $12,000, as even the casket alone comes at a significant cost.
On the other hand, tree pod burial costs between $1,000 and $4,000. The biodegradable urn costs only around $500, while the young tree can set you back $50-60. The other costs depend on the price of cremation services in your area.
The other costs come from the place where you want to bury your loved one. If you have your own property or a place reserved for you, you’ll save a lot of money.
However, if you want to book a conservation site for the burial pod, you’ll pay between $1,000 and $4,000. This might seem like a high amount, but it is significantly less than traditional burial fees.
The Different Tree Pod Options and Their Costs
The cost of your tree pod burial will also depend on the option you decide to go with. Available options include:
- Bios Urns: This option offers a plantable urn system and costs between $99 and $150. If you wish to have a portable or moveable urn, you can buy the Bios Incube Lite, which costs about $295. The Bios Urns are also popular among pet owners.
- The Living Urn: This indoor tree pod goes for a price ranging between $129 and $329. The living urn also comes with family plans and other easily accessible options.
- Capsula Mundi: This Latin term translates to “world’s capsule.” An Italian company designs Capsula Mundi tree pods, which cost $370 each.
However, you must note that these prices do not include buying the tree, which can cost as much as $125 or more, depending on the size and variety. A burial insurance policy or any other life insurance coverage can help pay some or all of these expenses.
Choose kindness.
You never know what battles people may be fighting.
How Do Tree Pod Burials Work?
What Happens During a Tree Pod Burial?
The body is not embalmed or treated for burial before it’s placed inside the biodegradable urns. Since the egg-shaped pod is small, the body is placed in a fetal position. The entire body is wrapped in natural fibers, and the egg is fully closed and placed under the burial site. Later, the sapling is planted directly above it.
That sapling starts taking nutrients from underneath it as the body decomposes; it provides nutrients and microbes. The sapling keeps growing as it soaks more and more nutrients and slowly becomes a tree.
The science behind the process is simple but effective. The bacteria in the soil slowly start decomposing the outer shell, and the ashes come into contact with the ground. After the connection, the sapling starts getting its nutrients and growing.
Is Biodegradable Burial Pod Tree Environmentally Friendly?
Traditional burial methods are harmful to the environment in many ways. This means you’re still contributing to global warming even after dying. The wood, metals, and other items used in traditional burial have a heavy environmental impact.
However, a biodegradable urn takes a completely different approach and offers an eco-friendly alternative to combat climate change. The pod’s biodegradable shell breaks easily as time passes, unleashing the nutrients inside the body alongside microbes to nurture the tree. Nothing in this process lingers in the environment for a long time.
What Are Some Ideas For Tree Pod Burial Locations?
Using a tree pod burial concept is a creative, non-conventional burial method that is valuable for the environment. There are many ideas for tree pod burial locations. Let’s discuss some of the most exciting locations to place your tree pod burial.
Private Property
The first location where you can place your burial pod is your private property or in the background of a garden after getting the owner’s consent. If you have your backyard or garden, it’s undoubtedly the best place for tree pod burials.
Get a plant that’s suitable for your garden. When choosing the right tree for your garden, consider its size and type. Different locations might also require different types of trees.
If you plan to move out or there is a chance it might happen, consult a plant transplanting service that can transport the pod or plant to your new location. They’ll ensure that everything remains intact while the plant is transported.
Moreover, different states have different local laws regarding burial pods. Some require that they be planted in the wilderness or in the backyard of a consenting owner. So, always check with the local authorities before proceeding.
Planter or Container
Another location for planting your tree burial pod is inside a planter or container. Depending on your preference, space, plant species, etc., you can do this indoors or outdoors.
You can place the plant inside the container where it will grow, soaking in the required nutrients. However, the tree reaches a considerable height after 12-18 months. After that period, you might need to remove it and plant it somewhere natural.
One way to avoid this problem is to buy a dwarf tree. These trees never grow too large, and the container will minimize their growth further. However, if you choose a standard tree, place it elsewhere by hiring a reputable transplantation service.
Natural Burial Sites
You can place tree burial pods in a natural burial site such as a local forest or park. However, ensure your chosen species are compatible with the local flora and fauna.
Some forests and parks have special laws regarding burial pods, so follow them when choosing your organic burial pods.
Traditional Cemeteries
You can also choose several green burial locations for your human remains, which most will allow. Even local cemeteries sometimes allow tree pod burials.
However, different states and cemeteries have different laws regarding green burials, so confirm before you proceed with this option.
Some Creative Choices
You do not have to go for any of the above locations, as people have tried all kinds of creative locations for tree pod burials. These places include golf courses, churches, lakes, reforestation sites, etc.
Just ensure you introduce a native species so natural balance is not disturbed.
Which Tree Memorial is Right for Me?
Choosing a tree memorial for your loved ones’ green burials depends upon several factors, such as zones, local environment, species, etc. Here are some of the best memorial trees.
Blue Spruce Tree
With a blue-green tinted shape and cone shape, blue spruce adds a touch of color and uniqueness to your garden. As such, it’s a great way to remember your loved ones.
They are strong and can withstand harsh weather. With their unique colors, they present a perfect contrast against the white snow and other plants. Moreover, when rooted, it becomes almost entirely self-sufficient and does not need much help to grow.
Red Maple
The iconic red hues of the red maple trees are unmatched in their glory. They bear red buds in winter and red, yellow, or orange leaves in fall.
The perfect growing conditions for red maple are moist earth, partial shade, and limited exposure to the sun. Because they have shallow roots, they should be kept away from places with underground pipes.
Sargent Cherry Tree
The iconic pink flowers of the Sargent cherry tree brighten up the memories of your loved ones whenever you look at them.
It also bears small fruits in summer, which attract birds and make the whole environment serene. It grows fine in shady spaces and does not need much assistance once it is established.
Choose kindness.
You never know what battles people may be fighting.
Is Burial in a Tree Pod Legal in the US?
Yes, it is legal to bury your loved ones in burial tree pods in the United States. However, the burial process varies from state to state. So, before choosing burial plots for your loved ones, make sure you know the local zoning laws.
Where Can I Buy Organic Burial Pods?
Thanks to environmental consciousness among people, the demand for organic burial pods has increased significantly. Many brands today offer high-quality biodegradable tree pods for burying your loved ones in a sustainable manner.
Capsula Mundi, the brand that started it all, offers sand and white colors. Their Capula Mundi tree pods are available at $465.
Tree Pod Burial Cost FAQs
Can I be buried in a tree pod?
Yes, you can be buried in a tree pod. However, it depends on whether local laws of the state allow tree pod burials the way you want it done.
How much does tree pod burial cost?
A tree pod burial usually costs between $1,000 to $4,000, which is significantly cheaper than traditional burial fees.
Can I be buried in my own woodland?
Yes, you can be buried in your own woodland, but it comes with some caveats from the Environmental Agency. These include the size of the grave, the depth of the soil, the 50m distance from nearby water sources, etc.
What is the greenest way to be buried?
Putting the body of the deceased inside a tree pod is the greenest way to be buried. It has a minimal environmental impact because it not only degrades but also adds a tree to the natural environment.
