The Top 10 Best Memorial Trees to Plant

Looking for a way to remember a loved one who has passed away? Celebrate their life by choosing one of the best memorial trees to plant.

Coping with the loss of someone dear to you is extremely difficult, but picking the perfect, long-lasting memorial tree to honor them is a wonderful way to uphold their legacy. Deciding which tree represents them, and caring for it until it’s flourishing can aid in the healing process.

It can also serve as a considerate sympathy gift for someone you know who is grieving.

Use the following information to find a memorial tree that will memorialize your loved one, bring you peace, and thrive in your local environment. We suggest 10 of the most beautiful trees below and have indicated in which zones they grow best.

Which Hardiness Zone Are You In?

Navigate which memorial tree to plant based on the hardiness zone you live in. This is the USDA’s map that indicates which plants suit each section of the United States and is largely based on the area’s temperature. Northernmost areas span 1 to 4, the middle is usually 5 to 7, while the southernmost spots range from 8 to 10. https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/

Our 10 Favorite Memorial Trees

1. Blue Spruce Tree (Picea Pungens)

Blue Spruce Tree

Zones: 2 – 7
The Blue Spruce boasts an iconic cone shape and blue-green tinted needles. They’re great for adding unique shapes and colors to your garden or yard. Reminisce your dear loved one as you look upon the majestic blue spruce.

These strong trees can withstand windy weather and are lovely contrasted against white snowfall or bright colors in a garden. Once this conifer tree is rooted and growing, it doesn’t need much help to do well.

2. Red Maple (Acer Rubrum)

Red Maple

Zones: 3 – 9
Admire the magnificent hues bursting from your red maple tree, and be reminded of your loved one’s legacy. Reaching heights of 40 to 70 feet, with red, yellow, or orange leaves in fall and bright red buds in winter, the red maple will be a masterpiece in your yard.

A moist plot with partial shade or full sun is the best situation for a red maple to grow tall and strong. The shallow, thick roots can sometimes poke through the dirt, so it’s best to plant these away from lawns you want to keep manicured or pipes underground.

3. Sargent Cherry Tree (Prunus Sargentii)

Zones: 4 – 7
The graceful Sargent cherry tree’s pink flowers in spring will brighten any outdoor space as the memory of your loved one prevails. The small fruits on the trees in summer attract birds whose songs add to the serene ambiance.

As one of the hardiest cherry trees, this green-leafed, flowered tree doesn’t need much maintenance once it’s established. It does just fine in shady plots.

4. Weeping Willow (Salix Babylonica)

Weeping Willow Tree

Zones: 4 – 9
Ideal as a focal point in large gardens or along the water, these elegant, fast-growing trees are awe-striking as their green leaves sway in the breeze. Think about your friend or family member who has passed as you witness the leaves turn yellow in the fall.

It’s best to plant weeping willows away from structures, since their roots sprawl out beneath the soil. Willows flourish on the banks of ponds or lakes and do best with full sun.

5. Rose Shrub (Rosa Rubiginosa)

Zones: 5 – 8
If you’re searching for a gorgeous way to commemorate someone, the rose shrub offers dazzling pinks, red, or yellows that will fit nicely into any garden. Reminisce as the roses blossom in the warmer months. The hottest states like Florida may even enjoy year-round blooms.

Roses require beds with plentiful sunlight. To keep them happy, you’ll need to prune them as the leaves bud. You can also form your rose shrub into a tree by finding the main stem, cutting away smaller ones, and pruning it where you want to encourage branches to grow.

6. Magnolia Tree (Magnolia Soulangeana)

Magnolia Tree

Zones: 5 – 10

Magnolias are one of our most ancient trees. Fossil records show they have been around for over 100 million years! Such a potent symbol of eternity if ever there was one.

The delicate pink, white, or yellow flowers that cover your magnolia tree are stunning when they bloom in early springtime. Ranging from a few feet to 80 feet tall, enjoy the shade they provide, and the stunning blossoms of your tree in honor of your loved one.

The species of magnolia trees native to the US are known for being adaptable. When planting a magnolia tree, be wary of its extensive root system, because transplanting isn’t recommended. They also do best with high-drainage soil.

7. Oak Tree (Genus Quercus)

Zones: 5 – 10
Plant a mighty oak tree to venerate your revered lost one. Though they grow to about 80 feet, the canopy spreads out as far as 120 feet, creating a shady, deep green oasis on your land.

These resilient trees don’t need much maintenance aside from removing dead branches when necessary. However, they do need lots of sunlight and plenty of water. Sometimes, this means adding mulch around the tree while it's young to absorb more water.

8. Gardenia (Gardenia Jasminoides)

Zones: 6 – 11
Soak in the views of your gardenia’s large, white pinwheel flowers against vivid green leaves, and its sweet scent floating through the air. Remember your late friend or family member with a gorgeous gardenia in your garden.

Gardenias will do best in humid weather and with moderate sunshine. To keep them healthy and flowering for years to come, fertilize them from March to October, and remove any dead flowers.

9. White Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia Indica Alba)

Zones: 7 – 10
Find solace knowing your late loved one is remembered by the beauty of the White Crape Myrtle. This tree grows lush bunches of flowers that resemble crepe paper, teeming from the branches.

Being mid-size at about 20 feet maximum, these are fantastic ornamental trees, or suitable for providing some privacy lining your yard. They like hot climates, and while they sometimes need pruning, you should be careful not to over-prune and harm the shape.

10. Olive Tree (Olea Europaea)

Zones: 8 – 10
Honor your dear departed one with the graceful olive tree, clad in tiny, light green leaves. Recall the memories of this special person as you harvest olives and gaze upon your tree, reaching up to 20 feet.

This Mediterranean tree does well in dry weather with access to sunshine. Consider planting two olive trees, as cross-pollination will guarantee olive production each year. They also need a bit of extra attention with yearly pruning.

Any of these trees make for a lovely way to memorialize someone close to you who has passed away.

It’s important to consider the proper size to fit your yard or garden, and the environment and conditions it needs to succeed. Keeping these factors in mind, pick the tree that speaks to your heart, and you can’t go wrong.

Best Ways to Gift Memorial Trees for Loved Ones
Whether you are sending memorial trees for loved ones to plant or buying a tree yourself we bring you the best choices.
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Where Are Memorial Trees Planted?
We will show you all the options available for where to plant a memorial tree and how to do it. Honor your loved one and help the planet at the same time.

Where to get help:

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Memorial Jewelry to Honour a Loved One

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