Two young flowering living legacy trees at Macquarie park cemetery with white blossoms stand on a green lawn under a blue sky. One tree is surrounded by a circle of stones, creating a peaceful, natural scene.

Living Legacy trees: A sustainable memorial

Metropolitan Memorial Parks

30 March 2025

Described as a unique alternative to traditional ash scattering, Living Legacy trees are proving to be an innovative and environmentally friendly way to remember loved ones. In a world increasingly conscious of environmental sustainability, these trees offer a meaningful and lasting tribute that not only honours the deceased but also contributes positively to the planet. By transforming cremated ashes into nutrients for tree growth, Living Legacy trees create living memorials that flourish over time, symbolising the cycle of life and renewal.

A young living legacy tree with lush green leaves is staked for support in a sunny cemetery. It's surrounded by a stone border and grassy landscape, conveying tranquility.

What is a Living Legacy tree?

These trees grow from planted saplings in special areas and use pioneering technology that transforms cremated ashes into nutrients that nourish their roots. The process is suitable for both native and exotic tree species that help to create a living memorial that grows and thrives over time.

The environmental impact of Living Legacy trees

One of the most appealing aspects of this memorialisation option is the positive environmental impact. For every Living Legacy tree planted, Metropolitan Memorial Parks donates 200 additional saplings to be planted around the world, helping to offset carbon emissions and create more green spaces.

For those concerned about the environmental impact of traditional ash scattering, the trees offer a responsible alternative. The treated ashes pose no harm to the soil or surrounding ecosystem, unlike untreated ashes, which can have a negative impact due to their high alkalinity.

A meaningful and flexible memorial choice

Families who have chosen Living Legacy trees find comfort in the idea of their loved ones contributing to new life.

Elizabeth, who lost her husband during the COVID-19 crisis, found solace in this option.

"While he may be physically gone from this earth, for me, the tree symbolises that he is now living in heaven," she shared.

Each tree can accommodate up to four sets of ashes allowing family members to be memorialised together. The cemeteries take responsibility for the ongoing care and maintenance of the trees which ensures they remain healthy and stand as a lasting tribute.

A green future for memorialisation

This groundbreaking green option reflects changing attitudes when it comes to traditional burials.

By choosing a Living Legacy tree you can create more than just a memorial – you’ll be planting an environmentally friendly living landmark that will grow and flourish for years to come.

Where can I find out more?

Living Legacy trees are available at Macquarie Park Cemetery and Crematorium in North Ryde and at Frenchs Forest Bushland Cemetery at Davidson.

Establishing a Living Legacy is a thoughtful and personalised process. Families can choose the location, select their preferred tree species, and design a custom plaque. The ceremony of planting the tree with the treated ashes can be a meaningful way to say goodbye and celebrate a life.

For more information on sustainability, visit our Sustainability Resource Hub. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Living Legacy trees, our customer service team is here to help. Contact us today to learn more.