Can a memorial be good for the environment? The answer is yes, and your choice matters. Even at the end of your life, a memorial can create a new beginning. On the contrary, most people (still) fail the aftermath of their choice. According to the Australian Funeral Directors Association, over 75% of Australian families have chosen cremation, but little did they know about the impact of cremated ashes to the environment. The truth is (untreated) cremation ashes have a very high pH and salinity, making them harmful to the ecosystem. The worst thing is the misinformation: people scattered those ashes without knowing the consequences, but their intention was good.
But what if you could make that better? The process of turning ashes into a tree in Western Australia is your turning point. It uses special technology to neutralize the ashes and turn them into nutrients. How cool is that? This service is available with Wellington Dam Living Legacy Forest. With their help, you are helping to create a green environment and protect conservation land. Your memorial tree can grow tall and mighty, creating clean air and home for endangered species like Quokkas and Black Cockatoos.

Ashes into a tree is available in Wellington Dam Living Legacy Forest. At Wellington Dam, you’ll find a unique service and environment here. This beautiful site is located in the South West, about a two-hour drive from Perth, placing it in a pristine and accessible part of the state.
The forest is perfectly suited for growing strong native trees. With rich soil, you can create a memorial tree that feels connected to the earth. Plus, it’s a sanctuary located in the Wellington National Park and your visit will always make a fresh and memorable moment. Don’t worry, this forest is protected by the state government. This legal protection means that the forest can never be developed or logged, so your loved one’s living memorial is safe for all time.
Getting there is going to be a scenic drive. When you visit, you’ll also find great local cafes, accommodation, and camping spots. This makes it easy to plant a comfortable trip or a longer stay to connect with your memorial tree.
Read more: The Location To Become A Tree When You Die Near Perth, Western Australia
Did you know there’s science involved in the process of turning your ashes into a tree? It’s a breakthrough that solves a major problem regarding the toxic elements of cremated ashes. As they are known to be highly alkaline and salty, their impact (alone) can create a dead zone where nothing can grow. Research has shown that 90% of untreated cremation ashes pose a potential threat to both the soil and the plants. Also, burying them with biodegradable containers can only slow the process of contamination.
This is where the magic of science happens. A scientific method developed by a scientists, Dr. Mary Cole, can neutralize the ashes and transform them into food sources. Using a special blend of microorganisms and minerals, the process neutralizes the extreme pH and high salt levels. It essentially changes the ashes from toxin into life-giving nutrients for the tree. With a four-step process, the treatment has come to the integration part where the soul meets the new life.
By placing the ash-and-soil mixture directly under the roots of a young tree, your memorial tree can absorb the nutrients and your loved one’s essence will become part of the tree’s living system. This living system ensures the tree doesn’t just survive, but flourishes for years to come. As Doctor Cole says, “We make heritage through this” and your memorial tree contributes to the cycle of life.

At Wellington Dam Living Legacy Forest, the cost for turning ashes into a tree starts from $2,000. This is more affordable than a traditional funeral which can cost you around $19,000. What’s more? it is a one-time payment that includes the best services for your memorial, namely:
For those planting ahead, interest-free payment plans are also available to make your process even smoother.

Your options are varied and it’s best to choose your memorial tree that captures the personality and spirit of your loved one. You can choose from several native WA trees with each its own unique character.
Here are some options to help you decide:
Whichever you choose, your memorial is planted as a healthy young tree and cared for by experts to ensure it grows into a magnificent living monument.

What can you and your family expect from planting a memorial tree? The cost (earlier) has covered the services and support included in one-time payment. They are designed to create a meaningful, personal, and stress-free experience for you.
Here’s the support you can expect:

It’s time for you to create a Living Legacy in Western Australia’s Premier Memorial Forest. Instead of a cold stone in a silent graveyard, you can give your loved one a peaceful forest in Western Australia, a place where they can feel connected to you through the beauty of nature.
Think of your children or grandchildren visiting a magnificent tree that is your living monument. They can have picnics under its shade, watch it grow stronger every year, and create new, happy memories in a place that celebrates life. Your memorial becomes a destination of peace and joy, not loss.
This is more than just an alternative to funeral or a simple urn. It’s a profound gift to those you love most. You are leaving them a living, breathing legacy that tells a story of continuation, growth, and your enduring presence in their lives for generations to come.
Ready to change the way you leave the world?
Wellington Dam Living Legacy Forest
1 Wellington Dam Road, Worsley WA 6225, Australia
Phone: 0427 096 944
Email: cfo@legacyforest.org.au
Website: livinglegacywellingtondam.org.au
Contact Peta Bilston, Chief Forest Officer, to schedule your free guided tour and discover how your life can become something beautiful that grows forever. Experience the peace and beauty of Wellington Dam Living Legacy Forest while selecting the perfect tree for your living legacy.
Choose to let your final chapter be the seed for a new story. Your memory can rise again as a living tree, your essence blossoming in its flowers and your legacy carried on the wind with every seed it shares with the earth.
Join the upcoming Death Cafe on Dec 15. Connect, share, and explore gentle, eco-conscious ways to honour loss.