Why choose a Biodegradable Tree Urn for pet ashes?
A Tree Urn offers a gentle, eco-friendly way to remember them: you plant a young tree or a green plan with their ashes, creating a living memorial that grows year after year.
Our Tree Urn is made from cork and designed in sizes for small, medium and large pets. It can be planted in a garden, , or in a large planter for patios and balconies.
Why cork is perfect for an eco-friendly urn
A renewable, biodegradable material
Cork is harvested from cork oak bark without felling the tree. It’s renewable, naturally biodegradable and helps preserve cork oak woodlands.
Strong now, gentle later
Cork is durable while you handle and plant the urn. Once buried, it breaks down naturally in about 8 years without releasing toxins, blending into the soil and supporting healthy root growth.
Why a young tree (sapling) works best with ashes
Cremation ashes are rich in minerals but have a very alkaline pH (around 10–12). Seeds and sprouts can struggle in such conditions. A young tree or established shrub is more resilient and can gradually assimilate nutrients as the soil buffers the pH.
Result: reliable growth and a tribute that thrives.
How the Tree Urn works
- Place your pet’s ashes in the lower compartment.
- Choose a young tree or shrub suited to your local climate and space (native species are ideal across the UK).
- Plant the urn in fertile soil (or a large planter), following the instructions.
- Water regularly and care for the sapling during its first years.
This process helps the roots mingle with the ashes and surrounding soil, feeding the plant and enriching biodiversity.
👉 Read Tree symbolism guide
UK-friendly planting ideas
- Small gardens & patios: choose compact trees (e.g., Amelanchier, Rowan ‘Autumn Spire’) or shrubs (e.g., Camellia, Hebe) in a large planter.
- Family gardens: native trees such as Silver Birch, Rowan, Hawthorn, Field Maple offer seasonal interest and wildlife value.
- Shaded plots: consider Holly or Portuguese Laurel.
- Always check sunlight, mature size and local conditions; your local garden centre can advise.
Tip: If you may move house later, plant the urn in a movable container so your memorial can come with you.
Personalise your pet’s urn
We can print directly on cork for a subtle, elegant finish. Add:
- Your pet’s name
- Dates
- A short message or line drawing
Examples: “Forever in our hearts”, “Rest well, faithful friend”, or simply a name and dates.
Sizes & capacities
| Size | Guidance (pet weight) |
|---|---|
| Small | Up to 10 kg |
| Medium | Up to 45 kg |
| Large | Up to 90 kg |
The same urn design suits dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets. Personalization makes each memorial unique.
👉 Look at the Size guide
UK considerations (simple guidance)
- Gardens: most families plant at home. If you might sell, consider a planter to keep the memorial portable.
- Public land / woodlands: only with the landowner’s permission. Some woodland burial grounds welcome biodegradable urns—always check site rules first.
- Flats & rentals: a large planter is a respectful, flexible option.
(This is general guidance, not legal advice. Always follow local rules and landowner permissions.)
Comparison with other options
- Versus traditional urns: Tree Urn creates an outdoor, living tribute rather than an object kept on a shelf.
- Versus seed-based kits: using a young tree avoids germination risk and tolerates the alkaline ashes more reliably.
Step-by-step at a glance
- Place ashes → choose a UK-suitable sapling → plant urn in soil/planter → water and care → watch your memorial grow.
👉 Read Planting & care instructions
A gentle aid through grief
Tree Urn is more than a n urn; it invites a simple, hands-on ritual that helps many people in the UK move through mourning. From the first touch of warm, natural cork to writing a name or message, keeping a short home vigil, and finally planting a young tree, each step creates meaningful engagement. This active process helps transform the pain of loss into the living presence of growth, echoing the idea that we rebuild life from absence. Planting becomes a visible passage from goodbye to renewal, offering a calm, enduring focus for remembrance.
👉 Read: A Unique Support to Journey Through Mourning
FAQs (UK)
How do I choose the right tree?
Pick a species that suits your sunlight, soil and space. Native and wildlife-friendly choices are ideal. Your local garden centre can advise.
How long does the urn take to biodegrade?
Roots usually reach the ashes within the first year; the cork walls naturally decompose over ~8 years.
Is it suitable for any pet?
Yes. Choose S, M or L based on approximate pet weight (see table above).
Can I plant in a pot?
Yes—use a large planter with drainage and plant a young tree or a green plant (e.g., ficus, rose, camellia, bay). Refresh the compost over time and repot as needed.
Can you deliver across the UK?
Yes — we deliver UK-wide (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), all taxes included (VAT-inclusive pricing). International delivery options are also available.
Are dog urns different from cat urns?
No—the same biodegradable design works for any pet. Personalization makes it unique.
What if I might move house?
Plant in a planter so the memorial can move with you.
Conclusion
A biodegradable pet urn lets you celebrate your companion with new life. With a natural cork Tree Urn and a UK-suitable sapling, you create a living memorial that’s gentle on the planet and comforting for the family.
Ready to plant a memory?
Choose your size, personalize your message, and we’ll ship to your door anywhere in the UK.
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