Ideas for Memorial Trees and Plaques

Choosing the Tree

• Celebrate the things that made your loved one special by choosing an appropriate tree. Narrow the field by researching trees that thrive in your area. You can choose a tree for the color of its blooms or because it holds special meaning for the memorialized individual. A cherry tree can be a beautiful choice because it blooms every spring with pink or white blossoms, providing enjoyment for years to come.

  You can also research the meanings of particular trees. For example, a rowan tree, also known as mountain ash or the Celtic "Tree of Life," is said to protect from negative enchantments. It is a small tree that produces berries, which can be used to make wine or jam.

Choosing the Plaque

• Personalize the memorial tree with a garden plaque that is engraved with the name of the person who is being memorialized. Plaques can also feature meaningful quotes or religious verses to console or encourage visitors who come to the memorial.

  Memorial plaques can be attached directly to the tree. However, since memorial trees are often planted while they are quite small, this is not always an appropriate choice. Instead, a plaque can be set on the ground near the tree or placed on a wooden plinth to be staked in the ground.

Arranging the Memorial

• The location for your memorial tree may be determined by the cemetery if you are planting one on the premises, or it can be determined by the landscape of your yard. A tree can be planted in a public area with permission from the proper authorities, as in the case of a beloved teacher having a tree planted in his honor on school property. A tree can also be planted in your own yard as a living memorial to a loved one. Place a small bench nearby so that visitors to the tree can sit while remembering the individual.