Sharing a Memorial Tree: Family Guide

Introduction

When a family loses someone, one of the quieter decisions that follows is where their ashes will go. For many Australian families, the idea of a memorial tree feels right because it offers something living and growing rather than a static headstone or plaque. But what happens when more than one family member wants to share that same tree?

At Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens, families can do exactly that. A single tree can hold multiple sets of ashes over time, so parents, partners, siblings, or even extended family can all be remembered in the same place. Some families start with one person and add others across the years. The tree keeps growing throughout, and so does the family’s connection to it.

This guide explains how shared family memorial trees work in practice, why the ash treatment process matters, what’s included in the package, and how to choose the right tree size for your family’s needs.

Your guide to a living memorial  The Mornington Green brochure explains the full Living Legacy process, tree species, and pricing. Download it free at morningtongreen.com.au

How many family members can share one memorial tree?

At Mornington Green, the number of people a tree can hold depends on its size, specifically how many ash infusions it is designed to receive. Here’s how the sizing works:

• A small tree holds 1 infusion.
• A medium tree holds up to 2 infusions.
• A large tree holds up to 5 infusions.
• An extra large tree holds up to 8 infusions.
• An Accent Tree, which is a premium option, holds up to 12 infusions.

For families who want to be together in a single location, choosing the right tree size is the first practical decision. A couple planning ahead together would typically go with a medium or large tree. A family of four or five would start with a large tree. Extended families spanning multiple generations often choose an extra large tree or an Accent Tree so there’s room for future generations too.

Each additional set of ashes is added in a separate ceremony and goes through the same ash treatment process used for the original infusion. This means every family member receives the same level of care and attention, no matter when they are added.

Read more: Best Native Australian Trees for Memorials

Why untreated ashes cannot simply be added to a tree

This is something most families don’t know before they start researching, and it’s one of the most important things to understand before choosing any memorial tree service.

Human cremated ashes have a pH of around 12, which is close to the pH of bleach. The salt content is also high. Together, these properties mean that untreated ashes placed near a tree’s roots won’t help the tree grow. In fact, Melbourne lab testing showed that 90% of seedlings placed in direct contact with untreated ashes died within 21 days. The ashes essentially poison the soil around them, creating dead zones where nothing can thrive.

This is why Mornington Green developed the Living Legacy process. It treats ashes with a scientifically developed formula that converts them into nutrients the tree can actually absorb. The treatment changes the chemical makeup of the ashes so they become a source of potassium, nitrogen, and other micronutrients instead of a harmful salt deposit. Once treated, the ashes support tree health for up to seven years after infusion, giving the tree time to establish strong roots and grow.

This treatment is also what makes multiple infusions possible. Because each set of ashes is treated individually before being placed beneath the tree, they work with the soil rather than against it. Without this step, adding a second or third set of ashes would compound the damage and put the tree at serious risk.

What is included in a shared Living Legacy Tree

Each Living Legacy Tree at Mornington Green comes as a complete package with no surprise costs down the line. The package covers:

• The tree itself, planted in your chosen location within the garden.
• Full ash treatment using the Living Legacy Formula.
• A custom bronze memorial plaque.
• Perpetual care of the tree and the surrounding garden.
• A life celebration ceremony for up to 15 guests, including catering.
• Ongoing access for family visits at any time, year-round.

There are no ongoing fees or hidden charges. Once the package is in place, the family’s only responsibility is to visit whenever they wish.

When additional family members are added over time, each new infusion follows the same process. The ashes are treated, placed beneath the tree, and a ceremony is held to mark the occasion. The tree and its plaque are already in place from the original infusion, so the family simply returns to that same meaningful spot each time.

Together Trees are also available for couples or family members who prefer separate trees in the same location. This package plants two small trees side by side, which some families find meaningful as a way to honour two people who were close but still give each their own space.

For full pricing details, the Mornington Green team can walk you through the options that suit your family’s situation.

“I could not imagine going to a cemetery with a plaque on the ground to visit my son. Here, I can come with my chair, book, and coffee, and just sit and read. I do it every week.”

— Wendy

How to choose the right tree size for your family

The size decision comes down to two questions: how many people are expected to be added over time, and whether you are planning ahead or bringing ashes now.

At-need trees at Mornington Green are already established and growing at 1 to 4 metres tall, available across 26 species. These are for families where a death has already occurred and ashes are ready to be placed. Because the tree is already mature, families can visit something real and established from day one, which many people find comforting during a difficult time.

Pre-plan trees are the other option. These are newly planted at the time of selection and are designed for individuals or families planning ahead, often with the intention of adding ashes over many years. Watching a pre-plan tree grow over time can become part of the memorial experience itself, as the tree matures alongside the family’s visits.

If you are pre-planning, a larger tree size gives your family room to grow into the memorial across generations. For at-need arrangements, the tree species and size are typically chosen based on the person being honoured and what the family wants to visit. Both approaches work well. The key is knowing which one suits your situation before selecting the tree size, because at-need and pre-plan trees are different products with different experiences.

What happens during a shared tree ceremony

Each infusion at Mornington Green involves a ceremony, and the team takes care of all the planning so the family can focus on being present.

The first infusion is typically the largest event. It includes a life celebration for up to 15 guests with catering, 2.5 hours of exclusive use of the function space, and up to 4 hours of memorial planning with a dedicated Legacy Planner. Chairs, a speaker, and a microphone are all provided, and an in-house celebrant conducts the ceremony. Families don’t need to organise anything externally.

When additional family members are added later, a separate ceremony is held for each infusion. These are usually smaller and often attended by just the immediate family. They follow the same process: the ashes are treated, placed beneath the tree, and a moment is taken to acknowledge the person being honoured. Even though these ceremonies are quieter, they carry the same care and intention as the first.

Families can visit the tree at any time after the ceremony. The garden is open year-round, and many families make regular visits to sit near the tree, bring flowers, mark birthdays, or simply enjoy the seasonal changes in the garden.

Frequently asked questions about shared family memorial trees

How many people can share one memorial tree?

At Mornington Green, the number depends on tree size. Small trees hold one infusion, medium trees hold up to two, large trees hold up to five, and extra large trees hold up to eight. Accent Trees, which are a premium option, hold up to 12.

What is included in a Living Legacy Tree package?

Each package covers the tree in your chosen location, ash treatment, a custom bronze memorial plaque, a life celebration ceremony for up to 15 guests, perpetual care of the tree and garden, and ongoing access for family visits. There are no ongoing fees or hidden charges. Contact the Mornington Green team for current pricing.

Can ashes be added to the tree years after it is planted?

Yes. Many families plant a tree as a pre-plan and then add ashes over years or even decades. The tree continues to grow throughout this time, and there is no time limit on when additional infusions can be added.

What is the difference between at-need and pre-plan trees?

At-need trees are already established at 1 to 4 metres tall and are selected when a death has already occurred and ashes are ready to be placed. Pre-plan trees are newly planted and chosen ahead of time, for families or individuals who want to secure a tree before it is needed.

Does the garden protect the tree in perpetuity?

Yes. By securely reserving 20% of all sales in an independently managed ongoing care and maintenance fund, Mornington Green guarantees the perpetual financial resources needed to maintain and protect your legacy tree for generations.

Can families visit the tree whenever they want?

Yes. The garden is open year-round and families can visit at any time. Many families come regularly, some even weekly, to sit near the tree, mark birthdays, or simply enjoy the seasonal changes.

The Mornington Green team is available for conversations at any stage, even if you haven’t made any decisions yet. Call (03) 7018 6184 or visit morningtongreen.com.au to download the free brochure and see the full range of trees and pricing.