One of the most loved gifts that brings great comfort to the bereaved is the planting of a tree in honor of the deceased. Planting and growing a tree is a wonderful and environmentally friendly way to remember and remind you of a person, pet or an event and keep that memory present every time you view it.
Remembrance, or sympathy trees are a living monument to a loved one who has passed. One of the most popular remembrance trees is the oak tree. The oak is a symbol of strength and longevity. It can live for centuries. Another popular choice is a maple tree with it's gorgeous shade and fall color. Vibrant during all seasons, the maple tree is a beautiful tree and a great way to celebrate the life of a loved one while giving back to nature.
Other popular choices for remembrance include forget-me-nots, lilac shrubs, and roses. Rosemary is traditionally the herb of remembrance. Colorado's major tree species include bristlecone pine, Colorado blue spruce, Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, limber pine, lodgepole pine, narrowleaf cottonwood, quaking aspen, piñon pine, plains cottonwood, ponderosa pine, Rocky Mountain juniper, subalpine fir and white fir. You may wish to plant one of these for best success in our state.
Many people choose to plant a remembrance tree in their yard where it can be seen each day and at times of family gatherings. Other popular places to plant include at a local church, city park, state or national park, golf course, cemetery or memorial park, among others. While some of these options require permission, many groups welcome additional trees and the beauty they provide.