Where to Bury a Funeral Urn with a Tree in Spain?

Burying a biodegradable funeral urn with a tree is an increasingly popular practice, combining a tribute to loved ones with an environmentally friendly gesture. In Spain, there are several options depending on the location: a private garden, a forest, or spaces managed by professionals. Here’s a guide to all available options and the necessary steps.

 1. Burying an Urn in a Private Garden

Burying an urn in a private garden is permitted in Spain, but certain conditions must be met:

• Local Regulations:
  Consult your local town hall to check the rules applicable in your municipality, as restrictions may apply.
• Use of Biodegradable Urns:
  To respect the environment, urns must be designed to naturally decompose and support the growth of a tree.
• Consent from Co-owners:
  If the property has multiple owners, their consent is required.
• Private Nature of the Garden:
  The garden must be a private space and not accessible to the public.
• In Case of Property Sale:
  Ashes are not legally protected. They can only be relocated with the new owner’s consent.

 2. Burying an Urn in a Forest

It is possible to bury an urn with a tree in a forest, but certain restrictions apply:

• Required Authorization:
  In public or protected forests, such as natural parks, authorization must be obtained from local authorities or park managers.
• Environmental Standards:
  The use of biodegradable urns is essential to prevent any pollution.
• Private Forests:
  In privately owned forests, the owner’s consent is mandatory. These locations often offer more flexibility.
• Controlled Alternatives:
  Some memorial forests or eco-columbaria are specifically designed to allow urn burials in dedicated areas.

 3. Using Professional Services

To simplify the process and ensure an environmentally respectful approach, private initiatives offer specialized services:

• Recordar Mi Árbol (Segovia):
  A private forest where biodegradable urns are buried with a tree, contributing to reforestation.
• Arborea (Madrid):
  A natural area near Madrid that allows ashes to be buried with a tree in a serene environment.
• Cemetery Roques Blanques (Barcelona):
  Located within a natural park, this cemetery provides forested areas for urn burials under native trees.

These services ensure environmental monitoring and create serene memorial spaces.

General Recommendations

1. Consult Local Authorities:
   Whether for a private garden or a forest, check with the town hall or forest managers to obtain the necessary permits.
2. Choose Biodegradable Urns:
   Opt for urns specifically designed to promote tree growth and respect ecosystems.
3. Consider Dedicated Spaces:
   Professional initiatives provide turnkey solutions for those seeking ecological and sustainable memorial locations.

This practice combines a meaningful tribute to loved ones with environmental conservation, offering a peaceful way to honor their memory while contributing to nature preservation.