Spreading Groves:
spreading ashes to
nurture new life
Spreading Groves offer what traditional options can’t—a living memorial that contributes to conservation and provides a sanctuary for remembrance. Included in your Everis package.
Need help? Talk to an Everis Guide 24/7
What is it?
A living memorial that
grows more beautiful
Spread ashes in a shared grove within a protected memorial forest—a living tribute that honors your loved one while nurturing new life.
Unlike spreading ashes in a cremation garden, Spreading Groves are structured conservation areas that preserve nature for generations. It’s a legal, eco-friendly alternative to traditional cemeteries, where nature itself becomes the memorial.
Spreading Grove included,
no additional cost
Your Everis package includes complete cremation arrangements with the option to
spread ashes in any of our Spreading Groves for a beautiful return to nature.
Complete Cremation Arrangements
$4,150
Payment plans available
Everything you need, nothing you don’t
- Respectful transportation into our care
- Paperwork, permits, and death certificates
-
Carbon-neutral cremation
Aquamation & natural organic reduction coming soon. - Ashes returned in a thoughtful container
- Interactive online obituary
- Resting place in a Spreading Grove
- Self-led Nature Memorial ceremony in a Spreading Grove
- Small, simple Memorial Marker in a Spreading Grove
- Estate settlement assistance & ongoing grief support
Find your perfect Spreading Grove
Choose from 9 protected forests, each offering a dedicated Spreading Grove with unique natural beauty. From coastal redwoods to Sierra foothills—protected forever, accessible always.
West Coast
Southwest & Midwest
Northeast
Questions about Spreading Grove locations? We can help.
A natural resting place
for spreading ashes
Simple & Dignified
A meaningful return to nature; no
complicated, costly arrangements.
Protected Forever
Your memorial is preserved within a conservation forest in perpetuity.
Ongoing Connection
Visit anytime for quiet reflection or peaceful forest walks.
Shared yet Sacred
Shared space, private moments:
a community of remembrance.
See how Spreading Groves reimagine memorialization
| Spreading Groves | Memorial Trees | Cremation Garden | Traditional Cemeteries | DIY Ash Scattering | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Dedicated grove in protected forest | Individual tree in protected forest | Designated area in cemetery or park | Burial plot with headstone |
Dispersed in nature (if permitted) |
| Honors |
One life in a shared grove | Multiple people & pets at one tree | Multiple people in shared space | Individual plot | n/a |
| Legal Status | All permissions included | All permissions included | Permitted with purchase | Permitted with purchase | Often illegal without permits |
| Marker | Simple Memorial Marker | Customizable Memorial Marker | Often no individual marker | Tombstone | n/a |
| Setting | Living, evolving ecosystem | Living, growing memorial | Maintained grounds | Maintained grounds | n/a |
| Visits | Perpetual access rights | Perpetual access rights | Fixed cemetery hours | Fixed cemetery hours | Nothing to return to |
| Maintenance | Self-sustaining ecosystem | Self-sustaining ecosystem | Required perpetual upkeep | Required perpetual upkeep | No maintenance need |
| Cost | Included in Everis package | Additional fee | $1,000 | $15,000+ | Free but may be illegal |
Articles & Tools
The resources you need, when you need them most
Forest spreading in six simple steps
Choose Your Forest
Select from 9 protected Memorial Forests, each with natural beauty.
Schedule Spreading
Guided Support
Forest Guides provide support every step of the way.
Simple Memorial
A Memorial Marker marks your special place in nature.
Ongoing Connection
Return anytime to visit, reflect, and find peace in nature.
Digital Remembrance
Create an obituary to share memories, photos, and stories.
Trusted by thousands of families
Thousands of families trust us for compassionate cremations services and nature-connected memorials without funeral home pressure.
“Putting my mother to rest in the forest allowed my grief to rest as well. Today I went for a visit in lieu of my first birthday without her—our final decision was a great one.“
Amanda M. | Yosemite Gateway Memorial Forest, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions?
What is a Spreading Grove?
A Spreading Grove is a designated area within a protected Memorial Forest where families can legally spread cremated remains.
Are Spreading Groves available in every forest?
Yes. Choose from nine Memorial Forests each offering a dedicated Spreading Grove with unique natural beauty. From coastal redwoods to Sierra foothills—protected forever, accessible always.
What is included in the Everis package?
Your Everis package includes cremation, all necessary paperwork, a resting place and memorial in one of our Spreading Groves plus ongoing grief support and estate settlement assistance.
How is a Spreading Grove different from a Memorial Tree?
A Spreading Grove allows you to spread ashes in a shared grove within a protected memorial forest—it’s included in your Everis package. While simpler than a Memorial Tree, it’s equally meaningful and offers a beautiful resting place in nature. If you prefer a dedicated tree that can be shared with family, friends, and pets over time, a Memorial Tree might be the better choice for you.
How is this different from scattering ashes in a national park?
Spreading Groves are legally designated for ash scattering with all permits included. Public parks and most natural areas prohibit ash scattering. Our Spreading Groves are protected forever, giving you a permanent place to return to and remember.
Can multiple family members be scattered in the same grove?
Yes. The Spreading Grove is a shared space for ashes. Multiple families can be spread in the same grove, as long as each has their own Everis package. If you prefer a dedicated tree exclusively for your family, friends, and pets, a Memorial Tree might be the better choice.
What is the proper way to spread ashes?
The proper way to spread ashes depends on your location and local regulations. With Spreading Groves, all the logistics are handled for you. Our team ensures respectful, legal scattering within our protected Memorial Forests, so families can focus on remembrance.
Everything you need will be ready when you arrive, so you can focus on the experience.
Why is scattering ashes on public land illegal?
Ash spreading on public land isn’t always illegal, but often requires permits and advance planning. In California for example you need: your VS-9 permit (always required), written permission from the property owner (if it’s not your land), and compliance with local ordinances.
Read more: Spreading Ashes in California →
Spreading Groves eliminate this uncertainty. All permissions, permits, and legal requirements are included, giving you a protected forest location where scattering is legal and welcomed.
Where is it appropriate or allowed to spread ashes?
Each state has different rules about where you can legally spread ashes. In California, some common locations require permits or permissions, while others are completely off-limits.
Improper ash disposal can come with serious consequences, depending on your state including: trespassing charges and fines up to $10,000.
Spreading Groves offer the best of all options: a legal, permanent location in protected forests with perpetual visitation rights, beautiful natural settings, and no additional cost beyond your Everis package.
How can I respectfully spread the ashes of a loved one?
Spreading ashes respectfully means honoring both your loved one and the environment. Spreading Groves are designed for respectful remembrance. Our dedicated Memorial Forests provide a peaceful setting with simple Memorial Markers so you can always return.
The natural beauty of the grove—combined with the knowledge that you’re preserving nature—adds deep meaning to the ceremony. Families often find comfort in the living, evolving ecosystem where their loved one rests.
Can families visit after the spreading?
Absolutely! Family, friends and pets are welcome to visit your Spreading Grove for quiet reflection, hiking, or family gatherings.
Do Spreading Groves allow for ceremonies?
Yes. You are welcome to hold a memorial ceremony in the forest for family and friends personalized to your family.
Still have questions?
Return your loved one
to nature with purpose
Spread ashes in protected Spreading Groves—where conservation meets remembrance.
Need help? Talk to an Everis Guide 24/7