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Our cats and dogs share our mornings, our silences, our sofas. They give without calculation, love without condition, and leave a void that no one who hasn’t lived it can fully understand. When the moment comes, they deserve more than a standard urn on a shelf. They deserve something that carries their name, their story — and that continues to grow.
At Tree Urn, every urn can be personalized with a message, symbols, or a custom design — printed directly onto the cork surface, free of charge, before shipping.
“They were not just a pet. They were a presence, a rhythm, a reason to come home.”
1. A memorial that grows with them
The Tree Urn is a biodegradable funeral urn designed to hold the ashes of your pet and support the growth of a tree or plant. Rather than a closed, static object, it becomes a living memorial — something that changes with the seasons, grows year after year, and keeps their presence tangible in the world.
Made from cork and a biodegradable binder, the urn naturally decomposes in the soil over approximately 6 to 8 years, releasing the ashes progressively and nourishing the roots of the plant. Nothing synthetic, nothing permanent — only a gradual, natural return to the earth.
This is not a product designed to sit on a shelf indefinitely. It is designed to be planted — and to become something alive.
Read our article: the biodegradable and compostable funeral urn →
2. Personalizing your pet’s urn
Every Tree Urn can be personalized before shipping — at no extra cost. Using a Roland digital printer, we print directly onto the cork surface, wrapping all the way around the urn. You can include:
- A message of your choice — a name, a farewell, a poem, a date.
- Symbols — hearts, paw prints, a rainbow, or any simple graphic you love.
- Custom designs or specific fonts, sent to us by email.
- Colors chosen by you, to make the tribute uniquely theirs.
One important note: due to the microporous texture of cork, we do not print photographs. The result is not sufficiently precise to do justice to your companion’s image. Text, symbols, and vector-style graphics give the most beautiful and lasting result.
If you prefer something more intimate, you can also add a handwritten message directly onto the cork using a permanent marker — a simple, deeply personal gesture that no printer can replicate.
“A name written in the colours they loved. A small paw print. Three words that say everything. Personalization turns an urn into a portrait.”
3. How to order a personalized urn
Step 1 — Choose the right size
Select the urn size that best matches your pet’s weight: S, M, or L. As a guide, the volume in litres corresponds approximately to your pet’s weight in kg multiplied by 0.035. For example, a 10 kg dog produces approximately 0.35 litres of ashes — the Size S is designed precisely for this.
Step 2 — Add your personalization at checkout
Before confirming your order, a dedicated field allows you to write your message or special instructions directly. No separate form, no extra step.
Step 3 — Send us a design or specific font if needed
For more complex requests — a specific font, a custom drawing, or a particular layout — you can send your files by email via our contact page. Upon request, we will send you a digital proof by email so you can validate the design before printing.
Browse our full collection of urns — sizes S, M, and L →
4. Tree or plant: choosing the right tribute
Once the urn is planted, a tree or plant will grow from the same earth that holds their ashes. The choice of species is yours — and it matters. A tree speaks of strength, longevity, and permanence. A plant speaks of gentleness, closeness, and daily presence.
We recommend purchasing a young tree or robust green plant from a local nursery suited to your region’s climate. Choose a species that feels right for them — one whose character, growth habit, or symbolism resonates with who they were.
One practical point: cremation ashes are alkaline. Very small seedlings and seeds are not well suited to direct contact with ashes during the early stages of establishment. A young tree or established plant from a nursery will root more successfully alongside the urn.
Discover the symbolism of each tree species on our dedicated page →
5. The planting: a ceremony of farewell
There is no prescribed way to say goodbye. But many families find that the act of planting the urn — choosing a spot, digging, placing the urn gently in the earth — becomes a ceremony in itself. A moment of transition. A way of saying: you were here, and now you are part of something that continues.
Before planting, you may also choose to keep the urn close for a few days or weeks — surrounded by candles, in a place that feels right — before the final moment of burial. There is no rush. Grief moves at its own pace.
The urn can be planted in a private garden, in a large pot on a balcony or terrace, or in a dedicated memorial space. In most European countries, there are no specific regulations governing pet ashes — but it is always worth checking local rules before planting in a public or shared space.
“Planting is not an ending. It is the moment when loss becomes presence — rooted, growing, alive.”
6. Shipping
Once personalized, your urn is packed with the same care as our standard urns and dispatched via the delivery method of your choice — standard or express. The personalization process does not delay shipping.
7. Frequently asked questions
Can I personalize my pet’s Tree Urn?
Yes. We print a message, symbols, or simple custom designs all around the cork urn. Personalization is always free.
Can you print photos on the cork urn?
No. Due to cork’s microporous texture, photo printing does not give a sufficiently precise result. Text, symbols, and vector-style graphics give the best outcome.
What sizes are available for pets?
Small (S), Medium (M), and Large (L). As a guide: volume in litres equals your pet’s weight in kg multiplied by 0.035. A 10 kg pet produces approximately 0.35 litres of ashes.
Is the Tree Urn suitable for both cats and dogs?
Yes. The same biodegradable cork urn works for cats, dogs, and other companion animals of all sizes.
Can I write on the urn by hand?
Yes. You may add a handwritten message using a permanent marker — a simple, intimate gesture for a truly one-of-a-kind tribute.
Which tree or plant should I choose?
We recommend a young tree or robust green plant from a local nursery suited to your region. Avoid very small seedlings, as cremation ashes are alkaline and may hinder establishment.
Where can I plant a pet Tree Urn?
In a private garden, a large pot on a balcony, or a dedicated memorial space. Always check local rules before planting in a public or shared area.
How long does the urn take to decompose?
The cork urn naturally biodegrades over approximately 6 to 8 years, enriching the soil as the plant establishes and grows.
Is personalization really free?
Yes, always. Personalization is included in the price of every Tree Urn, with no additional cost.
How is shipping handled?
Once personalized, the urn is packed with care and dispatched via your chosen method — standard or express — with no delay due to personalization.
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