May 20, 2025
Planting a tree in memory of someone is a beautiful, heartfelt way to honor their life while helping the planet thrive. Whether you’re remembering a loved one, a friend, or even a cherished pet, a memorial tree offers a living legacy that continues to grow year after year.
Planting a memorial tree is easy, thoughtful, and impactful. In this guide, you’ll learn how to have a tree planted in someone’s memory—from choosing the right planting service to personalizing your gift and sharing it with someone who needs comfort.
Step 1: Choose a Trustworthy Tree Planting Service
When choosing to plant a tree in memory of someone, start by selecting a transparent organization. You want to be sure that your memorial tree is truly planted and contributes to meaningful reforestation efforts while also offering your heartfelt condolences to the grieving. Also look for good reviews, business certifications and easy to access information about who is actually behind the service.
There are several reputable services that offer to plant memorial trees in the U.S. such as Arbor Day Foundation and One Tree Planted. The benefit of using these organizations is that they often plant hundreds of thousands of trees at a time and can offer memorial trees at a low cost.
The disadvantage of these organizations is that they are geared toward large scale forest restoration, so they can't offer a lot of personalization, information about visiting the trees, or details that make the memorial tree a truly special gift.
Here at Trees for a Change, we are a trusted tree planting service that partners with the U.S. Forest Service to reforest areas in U.S. National Forests that have been damaged by wildfire. We offer highly personalized memorial gift options and provide clear details about each tree planting project, including maps, photos, and even updates on the forest’s progress. This level of care ensures your tribute is real, responsible, and lasting.
Step 2: Explore Memorial Tree Gift Options Within Your Budget
Once you’ve chosen a reliable tree planting organization, take time to explore the available gift options that align with your budget and the intent behind your gift. One of the wonderful aspects of a tree gift is that it can be both meaningful and affordable.
Here are a few thoughtful memorial tree options to consider:
-
Personalized Certificates: a certificate with the name of the person being remembered, the planting date, and a custom message. This adds a personal touch to your gift.
-
Simple, budget-friendly Tree Gift Sympathy Cards: a card that explains the gift and has room for your personal sympathy message
-
Create a Memorial Grove: For a larger tribute, you can plant multiple trees to create a grove in someone's honor. This is a great option for families, offices, or groups.
-
Shipped or emailed delivery options: You can have the certificate printed and mailed on a presentation mat or in a frame, or opt for a digital version that can be emailed directly—perfect for last-minute memorial gifts.
These customizable options make it easy to create a tree memorial that feels special and heartfelt, no matter your price range.
Step 3: Order the Memorial Tree Gift Online
The next step is simple: place your order online. Trees for a Change makes the process quick and straightforward. During checkout, you can personalize the certificate, choose delivery options, and include gift messages for the recipient.
Orders are usually processed within 1–2 business days, and if you choose a physical delivery, tracking is provided. Digital versions are sent instantly—ideal for immediate comfort after a loss.
Step 4: Learn more about the trees
One of the most meaningful parts of planting a tree in memory is being able to see where the tree is growing. Trees for a Change is the only tree planting service that provides access to tree photos, planting location maps and project updates.
With Trees for a Change, you’ll be able to:
-
View a map showing the forest area where your tree was planted
-
Access planting site photos from the actual project
-
Learn more about the tree species used and the reason for reforestation in that location
-
Sign up for tree growth updates
This transparency makes your gift more tangible. You’re not just sending words—you’re helping regrow a living forest in someone’s name.
Step 5: Hear How Much It Meant to the Recipient
A memorial tree is more than a gift—it’s a source of comfort. Many people who receive a tree gift after a loss describe it as one of the most touching gestures they’ve ever received.
One Trees for a Change customer shared:
“I planted a tree in memory of my friend’s father, and she was overwhelmed with gratitude. She said it was the most meaningful gift anyone gave her—knowing something beautiful was growing in his memory brought her peace.”
These stories are a powerful reminder of how a small act can bring deep emotional healing.
Final Thoughts: A Tree Grows in Their Memory
Planting a tree in memory of someone is a unique and lasting tribute. It helps grieving hearts heal, honors a loved one’s life, and restores beauty to the earth. Whether you’re sending sympathy after a recent loss or marking an anniversary of remembrance, a memorial tree gift is a thoughtful, sustainable way to show you care.
By choosing a trusted, longstanding organization like Trees for a Change, exploring meaningful gift options, and staying connected to the forest your gift helps rebuild, you’re planting more than just a tree—you’re planting hope, love, and a legacy.
