Available 24 hrs. 1-616-842-9495
Memorial Tree Program
Reviving Forests One Memorial Tree at a Time
What is the Memorial Tree Program?
The act of planting memorial trees can be traced back to the 1800s, including U.S. President Andrew Jackson’s planting of a magnolia on the south lawn of the White House to honor his late wife. After WWII, memorial tree planting increased thanks to the prevalence of campaigns to plant trees as "living memorials" to soldiers leaving for the war.
Today, purchasing a memorial tree as a way to pay tribute to a loved one who has died is more popular than ever, as the burgeoning environmental movement has inspired tree plantings across the country. Families appreciate this thoughtful, environmentally friendly way to express sympathy, breathing new life into forests and delivering natural benefits year after year to our planet.
Funeral homes appreciate the ability to present another condolence gift option that can be ordered directly from their website.
Working together, the benefits of this program will give back for generations to come.
Funeral Home Benefits
On behalf of the funeral home, one memorial tree will automatically be planted in honor of the loved one. Funeral homes also receive a commission on each sale through the obit.
Family Benefits
A tree planted in a loved one’s memory is a living tribute that memorializes a loved one and gives back to the environment at the same time. It serves as a gift to the recipient and the world.
Communication to the Purchaser
Day of Purchase
Confirmation email sent to the tree purchaser with PDF of tree planting certificate.
Within Weeks
Confirmation the order has been received and a planting notification 30 days after planting has started. Planting seasons vary by region.
Official Certificate of Tree Planting
Certificate of Tree Planting is emailed to purchaser in PDF format which may be sent by the purchaser to the family.
Environmental Impact
Certificate of Tree Planting is emailed to purchaser in PDF format which may be sent by the purchaser to the family.
Offset Carbon Emissions
Planting a grove of 10 trees can offset your carbon emission for a whole year.
Cleaner Air
22 pounds of CO2 can be sequestered by a single mature tree.
Create Oxygen
One large tree can provide a day’s supply of oxygen for up to 4 people.
Customer Testimonial
"Thank you all so much. I know he would love this."
- Judy, a family member
How It Works
Order a Memorial Tree
Planting a grove of 10 trees can offset your carbon emission for a whole year.
Heal a Forest
Arbor Day Foundation plants the ideal sapling species in areas of most need, then tracks growth progress for at least five years.
Root the Memories
The tree will carry the spirit and root the memories of the loved one leaving a living legacy for generations to come.
Planting Information
Where
Your sapling will be planted in the area of greatest need of reforestation closest to the region of the funeral home or the deceased’s home area.
When
Saplings are planted in optimal planting seasons as determined by the forestry expert, Arbor Day Foundation. In most of the US, planting happens almost year round, and in Canada planting occurs from spring to fall.
Who
The Arbor Day Foundation is the world’s largest membership nonprofit organization dedicated to planting trees in communities and forests of greatest need.
Coming Soon
Thanks to our partnership with Arbor Day Foundation, A Tree to Remember purchasers will soon be able to:
- Choose which of our planting locations they’d like their tree planted
- Purchase a 1-gallon potted tree to send to a friend or relative for planting
- Purchase highly requested items, such as engraved plaques, customized gift cards, and framed planting certificates
- Plant in areas of cultural importance, like Israel
Please note that all trees will be planted in Michigan.
Should you have any questions or require additional details, please contact us via the information provided below.
Tribute Store/Plant A Tree Department: (866) 834-4420
© 2026 Klaassen Family Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved. Funeral Home website by CFS & TA | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Accessibility