Tree Burial (Friedwald)
The urn is laid to rest at the foot of a personally chosen tree in a designated burial forest such as Friedwald or RuheForst — nature itself becomes the resting place.
Tree burial is a deeply personal and nature-bound form of farewell. The ashes of the deceased are buried in a biodegradable urn at the base of a chosen tree in a specially licensed burial forest. The tree itself becomes a living memorial.
Friedwald, RuheForst and other burial forests
Today there are more than 150 burial forests across Germany. The best-known operators are Friedwald® and RuheForst®. They maintain cared-for woodlands where trees are available as grave sites. You can reserve a single tree as a family tree, or choose a place at a community tree. We will help you find the right forest near Frankfurt am Main and anywhere in Germany.
How a tree burial proceeds
A tree burial is always preceded by cremation. The ashes are placed in an urn made of natural, biodegradable materials — usually cornstarch or pressed wood — so that the urn fully breaks down in the soil. The intimate ceremony takes place outdoors at the chosen tree; a celebrant or pastor can hold a personal service. A small name plaque on the tree is available on request.
Advantages of a tree burial
A tree burial offers a dignified, natural resting place with no grave-care costs — nature takes care of itself. The burial forests are protected as woodland in perpetuity and never built upon. Usage rights typically run for 99 years. Loved ones can visit the tree at any time and find a quiet, peaceful place of remembrance. We take care of all formalities with the burial forest, arrange the cremation, the transfer of the urn and the burial ceremony.