Funeral Urn and Seeding: Why choose a young tree?

The idea of associating a loved one’s ashes with the growth of a tree is beautiful and deeply meaningful. However, it is essential to understand the biological realities behind this process. Contrary to popular belief, ashes are not directly compatible with seed germination. However, they can play a beneficial role when used with a young tree or an already rooted plant.

 

Ashes: A Natural Fertilizer, But to Be Used with Caution

Cremation ashes contain many nutrients, including calcium, potassium, and magnesium, which are known to benefit plants. However, they also have a major drawback: their very high pH. This alkaline nature makes the soil too basic, inhibiting the germination of seeds and fragile young plants.

In agriculture, the use of ashes as fertilizer is well-defined: the ideal dose is 10g of ashes per 1 liter of water to avoid excessive alkalinity.

 

Why Do Urns with Seeds Not Work?

Some urns on the market propose placing a seed directly above the ashes, claiming that this ensures the growth of a tree. Unfortunately, this approach is doomed to fail if the seed comes into direct contact with the ashes. Two scenarios are then possible:

1. The seed does not germinate at all due to excessive alkalinity.
2. The seed germinates despite this, but without any connection to the ashes, as they have naturally dispersed into the soil without interacting with the growth process.

In the latter case, this means that the urn has not fulfilled its role as a nutritional support for the tree, contradicting its intended purpose.

 

The High Failure Rate of Seeds Compared to a Young Tree

It is also important to consider the high loss rate of seeds. In nature, seed germination depends on many factors: humidity levels, temperature, soil quality, and protection against pests. Less than 20% of seeds reach the young plant stage, meaning the probability of success is extremely low.

By comparison, integrating a young tree or an already developed plant into an urn like Tree Urn ensures a success rate close to 100%. The young tree, already strong enough, has progressive access to nutrients, promoting harmonious and lasting growth.

 

The Essential Role of the Cork Regulator in the Tree Urn

The innovation behind Tree Urn lies in its cork regulator. This natural and biodegradable device allows the ashes to be gradually absorbed by the roots, preventing an immediate chemical shock. As it slowly decomposes, the cork itself turns into fertilizer, providing beneficial nutrients to the tree throughout its growth.

Unlike traditional urns, which allow ashes to spread abruptly into the soil, Tree Urn offers the perfect balance between preserving the ashes and providing nutritional support for the tree.

 

Conclusion: A Thoughtful Approach for Successful Growth

The goal of a biodegradable funeral urn is to offer a lasting and harmonious tribute. Rather than relying on an uncertain approach with a fragile seed, Tree Urn prioritizes success by supporting a young tree, ensuring its healthy growth.

Thanks to its cork regulator and a design focused on plant well-being, our urn ensures that the ashes play a real role in the tree’s growth, providing essential nutrients gradually without harming its development.

At Tree Urn, our priority is to ensure the success of this symbolic transformation, allowing each tree to grow strong and resilient, in honor of those we cherish.