Catering Offerings
What is our Memorial Tree Program?
A unique tribute which provides global benefits like no other memorial gift
In recent years, combating climate change has become a major topic of conversation among world leaders, global influencers, and even our community. As the popularity of going green continues to grow, more and more families are in search for environmentally conscious solutions.
Highland Lakes Cremation Center desires to offer a meaningful way for families and friends to honor loved ones in an environmentally friendly way. Our tree program arranges for the planting of memorial trees in honor your loved one.
Ordering a tree is a simple and straightforward process. Once an order has been placed, American Forests in the United States will take care of the rest and plant the tree in the area of greatest need.
After placing an order, each customer who purchased a tree will receive a certificate with their receipt. Once the tree has been planted, a map will appear on the memorial page showing the tree’s location. Trees are planted two times a year in the United States. Trees purchased are not in locations where the family can go visit the tree. Trees are planted in locations around United States where there is a great need, usually due to a natural disaster.
Our Partner
The forestry organizations we are partnered with play a huge part in the memorial tree
program and ensure that each memorial tree is planted correctly and in an area where
it will have the most positive impact on the environment. We proudly work alongside
American Forests in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I select the location or type of tree to be planted?
After an order is placed, American Forests will plant the tree in the area of greatest
need according to their planting schedule.
When will the memorial tree be planted?
Due to seasonal conditions, the tree planting season takes place during the spring and
summer. Plantings are organized before this period of time and the regions are planned
according to how many trees are ordered to be planted. Trees ordered during the
planting season may not be planted until the following year.
What type of tree will be planted?
The species of tree will be determined by American Forrests based on the region. They
will consider what species already grow in the area as well as what is best for the
environment and maintenance of the area.
How do I know that my loved one’s tree will be planted?
Every year our forestry partners issue an official report to us which outlines details of all
the specific plantings including the species, amount, and area of each tree.
Can I visit my loved one’s tree?
Once the tree has been planted, the location will be shown on the deceased’s memorial
page. However, the trees are planted in areas where reforestation efforts are taking
place. As such, it is not advised to try and visit the physical location of the tree as it may
be difficult to identify the tree and traverse the terrain without risk of an injury
occurring.
Is a memorial plaque or sign placed with the tree?
No, only a tree will be planted. However, each memorial tree’s location is recorded and is
visible on the deceased’s memorial page. You will also receive a certificate to guarantee
the planting of the tree.
Is my purchase tax deductible?
Every purchase includes a receipt of the transaction. However, we are not recognized as a
charitable organization and therefore unable to provide you with tax deductible receipt.
Trees are a major part of a
healthy ecosystem, contributing
habitat and food for a variety
of species.
The Benefits of Memorial Tree Planting
The uniqueness of each tree is symbolic of each individual it’s a tribute to. A memorial tree creates a long-term connection with nature and plays a valuable role in the socioeconomic and environmental health of our communities.
Environmental Benefits
- Trees ensure quality air by removing excess carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, from the atmosphere. Trees then turn this carbon dioxide into the oxygen we breathe.
- Over the course of 50 years, a single tree can generate $31,250 worth of oxygen, provide $62,000 worth of air pollution control, recycle $37,500 worth of water, and control $31,500 worth of soil erosion.
- Removing harmful greenhouse gases contributes to a lower carbon economy. This helps reduce the harmful effects of climate change.
- Trees increase groundwater recharge and reduce the number of potentially harmful chemicals transported to our waterways which purifies our water.
- Trees are a major part of a healthy ecosystem, providing habitat and food for a variety of wildlife.
- The root systems of trees help stabilize soil and can significantly reduce soil erosion.
