Choosing where a loved one's ashes will rest is sometimes a decision about more than one person. A partner, parent or other family member may want to be laid to rest in the same place one day.
For those families, a single memorial tree can be shared. At Mornington Green, one Living Legacy Tree can hold the ashes of several family members, who can join at different times, even years after the first person.
Sharing a memorial tree as a family
A shared tree gives your family one place to return to. Partners can rest together. Parents can be joined later by their children. And the family has a single tree to visit for birthdays, anniversaries and quiet afternoons.
Each person's ashes are treated separately before being added to the tree.
Memorial tree sizes and the number of ashes each holds
The size of the tree sets how many sets of ashes it can take:
- Small tree: 1 set of ashes
- Medium tree: up to 2
- Large tree: up to 5
- Extra large tree: up to 8
- Accent Tree: up to 12
Choosing the right size is the most important decision in planning a shared tree. It helps to think about everyone you'd like the tree to hold over time, not only the person joining first.
Separate treatment and infusion for each family member
Every set of ashes goes through its own process. Once treated, the ashes are infused into the soil around the tree's roots.
Nothing is mixed. Two partners in the same tree each have their own treatment and their own infusion, even though they share the one tree.
Adding family members to the tree in later years
A second partner or parent can join years after the first infusion.
When that time comes, the existing tree is already established, giving the family a familiar place to return to. Our team treats the new ashes and infuses them beneath the same tree.
Ash treatment and the health of a shared tree
Untreated ashes damage trees. Cremated remains have a pH of around 12, close to household bleach, and a high salt content that burns roots.
For a shared tree, each untreated set would add to the harm, so every set of ashes is treated before it goes into the soil. Mornington Green uses the patented Living Legacy Formula.
It neutralises the alkalinity and turns the ashes into potassium, nitrogen and other nutrients the tree can absorb.
At-need, pre-plan and Family Trees options
An at-need services suits families who are holding ashes now. These trees are already established at 1 to 4 metres tall, so you're visiting a grown tree from the first day.
A pre-plan services suits families planning ahead. It's planted new when you select it and grows alongside your family over the years.
If two people would rather have their own trees than share one, the Family Memorial package plants two small trees side by side.
Visiting Mornington Green before choosing a tree
The best way to choose a size is to walk the garden and see the trees for yourself. Book an open day or call our team on (03) 9059 4959 to talk through a shared tree for your family.
