As more people search for meaningful, sustainable ways to say goodbye, tree pod burials are growing in popularity. This eco-friendly alternative to traditional burials allows your remains to nourish a living tree, creating a legacy that quite literally gives back to the earth. But how does it work? How much does it cost? And is it legal where you live? In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about tree pod burials to decide if this green burial option is right for you or a loved one.
Call us at (866) 786-0725 or use our free funeral cost calculator to gain a clear breakdown of your funeral expenses.
What Is a Tree Pod Burial?
A tree pod burial is a type of green burial that transforms the body or cremated remains into the base of a living tree. The concept was introduced by Italian designers Anna Citelli and Raoul Bretzel, creators of Capsula Mundi. Their goal was to challenge traditional funeral practices by offering a way to return to nature in death, just as we came from it in life.
Instead of a casket, your remains are placed in a biodegradable pod that is buried underground. A tree seedling is then planted directly above it. As time passes, the pod breaks down, and the body or ashes enrich the soil, nourishing the tree growing above.
There are two main types of burial pods currently associated with this process, each with different levels of availability and environmental impact.
1
Whole-Body Pods
Whole-body pods are egg-shaped biodegradable capsules that require the deceased to be placed in a fetal position. These are designed to break down naturally over time, helping to nourish the tree planted above. While this version has captured public imagination, they are not yet available for purchase in most countries, including the U.S.
2
Cremation Pods
Cremation pods are currently the most accessible and legal form of tree pod burial. In this method, ashes are placed inside a biodegradable urn designed to support healthy tree growth. These urns are often made with materials that neutralize the high pH levels found in cremated remains.
Considering a tree pod burial? Let our team help you plan with peace of mind. Speak with a Final Expense Benefits agent today at at (866) 786-0725 to explore affordable coverage that supports your green legacy.
Where Can You Be Buried in a Tree Pod?
Tree pod burials are legal in all 50 states, but where you can bury one varies by location and local regulations.
Tree Pod Burial Locations in the U.S.
You can bury a tree pod in several settings, depending on your local regulations and personal preferences:
Private property (with local approval): This is often the most flexible and cost-effective option, especially if you or your family already own the land. However, you’ll need to check zoning laws and file the appropriate permits.
Certified natural burial grounds: These are specially designated spaces that support green burial practices. They typically do not allow embalming fluids or concrete vaults, making them ideal for tree pod burials.
Traditional cemeteries that allow green burials: Some conventional cemeteries are beginning to embrace eco-friendly practices by reserving sections for green or natural burials. It’s important to confirm whether biodegradable pods are allowed.
Certain public parks (with special permissions): In rare cases, local municipalities may grant permission to use designated sections of public land. This is more likely if the site holds personal or cultural significance and meets local environmental guidelines.
Tree Pod Burial Cost
While the concept of becoming a tree after death may feel priceless, tree pod burials do come with a cost, though often much less than traditional burials.
Cost of Burial Pods
Here are the options available to you:
- Capsula Mundi: $370 (sapling not included)
- The Living Urn: Starts at $135 + $35 for a tree
- Bios Urn: Around $140
These prices are for cremation pods. Full-body pods will likely cost more once available.
Comparing Costs to Traditional Burial
The average funeral with a casket costs about $7,000 to $12,000, according to the NFDA. A tree pod burial can cost around $3,500 to $4,000, including cremation and planting, making it significantly more affordable.
Additional Expenses
You should also budget for:
Burial location (private land or green cemetery)
Memorial or planting ceremony (optional)
Shipping and handling (especially for imported products)
Now that you have an idea of the potential costs, you may be wondering where these burials can legally and practically take place.
Can You Do a Tree Pod Burial at Home?
In most states, yes. If it’s on private land and meets health and zoning requirements. However, not every municipality allows home burials, so check with your local health department first.
For a list of certified green cemeteries, visit the Green Burial Council website.
Worried about the cost of an eco-friendly burial? Use our free funeral cost calculator to estimate your total expenses for a tree pod burial or any other end-of-life plan. It’s quick, personalized, and helps you prepare with confidence.
Common Types of Trees for Pod Burials
Choosing the right tree is both a practical and symbolic decision. Climate, space, and soil type all factor into what kind of tree you can plant.
1
Red Maple
The most popular tree pod burial option and for good reason. The red maple provides the perfect balance of beauty and resilience. Displaying color all year round, red maple trees can survive in all kinds of climates and are found all across America. They also grow relatively fast, maxing out at 3 feet yearly.
2
Dogwood
With a white and pink variety, this tree has become very popular in landscaping. It offers plenty of shade and doesn’t shed its leaves in the fall. It prefers dry soil with minimal water and sunlight.
3
Flowering Cherry
Originally from Japan, this tree has bright, pink foliage. This tree does well in moist but well-drained soil. It requires an acidic soil environment, which pairs well with the acidic quality of cremation ashes. They don’t need an overabundance of water or sunlight.
4
Sycamore
One of the best trees for blocking out the sun. Sycamores grow incredibly fast and are one of the largest trees you can find. They are resistant to pollution, wind, drought, and excessive rain.
5
Crape Myrtle
With plenty of color variations such as purple, pink, white, red, and more, crape myrtle trees are one of the more versatile options. It is also perfect for those with minimal space as they grow fast and remain at a manageable size. They are also relatively hardy and can resist drought well.
Please remember that around 50% of saplings grow into mature trees even if they are in ideal environments, so you must do the work to maintain the tree growth.
Note: Even in ideal conditions, only about 50% of saplings reach full maturity. Maintenance is essential.
Are Tree Pod Burials Environmentally Friendly?
Tree pod burials are considered green burials, but with some caveats. While the idea is deeply rooted in sustainability, most available options currently involve cremation, which still releases about 535 pounds of CO2 per person, according to the Earth Funeral Group.
That said, planting a tree offsets much of that impact. And if whole-body pods become available soon, they’ll offer a lower carbon footprint.
Other Green Funeral Options
If you prefer to choose an eco-friendly burial option, there are options for you to utilize. Here are a few of the green burial options you can choose from:
- Natural Green Burial ($1,740 – $5,225): burial in a green cemetery with no embalming, burial vaults, or caskets.
- Water Cremation ($1,300 – $4,000): a cremation method that uses a water and alkali solution, heat, and pressure in a chamber.
- Human Composting ($2,500-$5,000) The body is placed in a steel container mixed with wood chips, straw, and alfalfa. The body is then exposed to oxygen and heat to speed up the decomposition process.
- Body Donation (free): donating your body to scientific research allows future doctors to study the human body or progress medical tests at a research facility.
Whether you’re just getting started or have questions about coverage, our friendly experts are here to help you make informed choices. Let’s explore your options together, at no cost to you. Our agents are ready to speak with you at (866) 786-0725.
How to Use Final Expense Insurance for a Tree Pod Burial
Yes, you can use burial insurance to pay for a tree pod burial. These policies cover end-of-life costs like cremation, the urn, burial location, memorial services, and more. Because of the flexibility of final expense insurance, you can use your insurance to cover the cost of a tree pod burial.
At Final Expense Benefits, We’ve carefully reviewed and selected the top final expense insurance companies to trust in 2025, so you can make a confident, informed decision this year.
Below are our top 5 choices:
Call our agents at (866) 786-0725 or use our quoting tool at no charge to reduce the stress of deciding between different insurance policies.
Conclusion
Tree pod burials offer a poetic, environmentally responsible way to honor your legacy. While they aren’t entirely carbon-free, especially cremation options, they still represent a meaningful return to nature.
Luckily, Final Expense Benefits is here to help you with the financials. We specialize in funeral insurance that can help you pay for your final expenses, debts, and more. Call us at (866) 786-0725 or use our free quoting tool to find the right coverage for you.
Contact Final Expense Benefits to learn more about life insurance and to develop your insurance plan. Call us at (866) 786-0725 for more information, and be sure to check our free funeral expense calculator for a clear, itemized view of funeral costs based on your preferences.
FAQ
How Does a Tree Pod Burial Work?
The body or ashes are placed in a biodegradable pod and buried beneath a tree. The remains help nourish the tree over time.
Can You Have a Tree Pod Burial Without Cremation?
Unfortunately, you cannot have a tree pod burial without cremation as of 2024. Capsula Mundi is still looking at the viability of a whole-body pod, but it has yet to be released for retail.
Can I Estimate My Tree Pod Burial Costs in Advance?
Yes! You can use our free funeral cost calculator to get a personalized estimate based on your preferences, including cremation, pod choice, and burial location. It’s a helpful way to plan and avoid unexpected costs.
How Much Does a Tree Pod Burial Cost?
A cremation pod can cost as little as $135, and other funeral costs can be upwards of $4,000.
Where Can I Legally Be Buried in a Tree Pod?
On private property (with local approval), natural burial sites, or select cemeteries that allow green burials.
