Capsula Mundi and Other Tree-Burial Alternatives
For Canadians interested in tree-based memorial options, several alternatives exist — from the Italian-designed Capsula Mundi pod to various biodegradable urn options that turn cremated remains into trees.
What is Capsula Mundi
Italian design concept developed by Anna Citelli and Raoul Bretzel in 2003. Egg-shaped biodegradable burial pod made of starch bioplastic.
Two versions:
- Urn version (for cremated remains) — currently available
- Full-body pod (body placed in fetal position) — concept exists; regulatory and cemetery accommodation limited in most jurisdictions
Concept: The pod biodegrades; the body or cremated remains return to the soil; a tree is planted above and grows from the nutrients.
Aesthetic philosophy: Return to nature; the deceased becomes part of an ecosystem rather than buried in a sealed vault.
Full-body Capsula Mundi — Canadian availability
Not yet widely available in Canada:
- Canadian cemetery regulations typically require burial in established cemetery
- Full-body pod approach requires cemetery accommodation that isn't widespread
- Private property full-body burial has significant regulatory constraints across provinces
- Some First Nations land may have flexibility under traditional protocols
Specific provincial regulations govern body disposal; check with provincial death/burial authority.
Urn version — readily accessible
Capsula Mundi urn version for cremated remains is purchaseable and usable in Canada.
Process:
- Cremation occurs
- Cremated remains placed in biodegradable urn
- Site selected (private property, cemetery green burial section, memorial forest)
- Tree species chosen
- Urn placed in ground at appropriate depth (typically 2-3 feet)
- Tree seedling planted directly above or beside
- Tree roots access nutrients as urn biodegrades over time
- Tree becomes the living memorial
Other tree-burial urn options
Multiple commercial options:
Bios Urn: Spanish design; similar concept; tree seed included; widely available internationally.
EcoFunerals biodegradable urns: Various designs; biodegradable materials.
Living Urn: US-based design; specific tree species packages.
Canadian-made biodegradable urns: Several local artisans and providers; specific to handcrafted or specific materials.
Specific to material:
- Starch bioplastic (Capsula Mundi style)
- Recycled paper
- Cork
- Salt (water-soluble for scattering)
- Wood (slowly biodegradable)
- Bamboo
- Other natural materials
Cost considerations
Urn itself:
- Basic biodegradable urn: $50-150
- Capsula Mundi urn: $400-600+ depending on version
- Bios Urn: $150-300
- Premium biodegradable urns: $200-800
Plus:
- Cremation cost: $1,500-3,500
- Site preparation
- Tree seedling (often included; otherwise $20-100)
- Cemetery fee if in cemetery green section
Where to do this
Private property:
- Family farm or property
- Family home with appropriate yard
- Cottage property
- Specific land considerations apply (subdivision rules, sale of property considerations)
Cemetery green burial sections:
- Royal Oak Burial Park (BC) — green burial pioneer
- Mount Pleasant Group (Toronto) — green section
- Various other Canadian cemeteries with green burial sections
- Some accommodate tree-burial urns specifically
Memorial forests:
- Some communities have memorial forest programs
- Local conservation organizations may have programs
- Specific cemetery memorial tree programs
Specific First Nations land:
- Traditional protocols may align with tree-burial concept
- Specific community-based discussions appropriate
Tree species selection
Native species typically best:
- Support local ecosystem
- Adapted to local climate
- Don't risk invasive impact
Common Canadian native trees suitable:
- Maple (sugar, red, silver)
- Oak (red, white, bur)
- Birch (white, yellow)
- Cedar
- White pine
- Spruce
- Cherry (wild)
- Apple (some native varieties)
Climate considerations:
- BC coast: cedar, hemlock, spruce
- Prairies: aspen, maple, oak
- Ontario: maple, oak, beech
- Atlantic Canada: spruce, fir, birch
- North: limited species suitable
Planting practical considerations
Timing:
- Spring or fall planting typically best
- Specific to species and climate
- Don't plant in deep winter or dry summer
Depth:
- Urn typically 2-3 feet deep
- Tree root ball appropriate depth for species
- Specific to tree size and species
Spacing:
- Trees need room to grow
- Plan for mature tree size (decades out)
- Specific to species
Soil:
- Tree species' soil preferences
- Site preparation may be needed
Watering:
- Initial watering and care
- Specific to species and climate
Long-term considerations
Tree as living memorial:
- Tree grows over years and decades
- Visits become tree visits
- Family connection to specific tree
- Eventually large mature tree
Specific concerns:
- Tree death (replanting needed)
- Property changes (selling property with memorial tree)
- Cemetery management changes
- Specific to location
Comparison to other options
Traditional burial: Specific cemetery plot, monument, ongoing maintenance.
Cremation with scattering: Less tangible memorial.
Cremation with niche: Physical site but not living.
Tree burial: Living memorial that grows; specific site; environmental aspect.
Each has trade-offs; family preference governs.
What we focus on at It's Simple Will
The Funeral Pre-Planner captures specific preferences including tree-burial intentions, urn type, planting location.
Related guides
Citations & sources
- [1]Capsula Mundi — Capsula Mundi
- [2]Green Burial Society of Canada — Green Burial Society of Canada
Frequently asked questions
Can I actually use a Capsula Mundi pod in Canada?
For cremated remains — yes, the urn version is available and can be planted on private property or in cemeteries that accommodate green burial. For the full-body pod — not yet, in most Canadian jurisdictions. Specific regulations on body disposal require cemetery use; Capsula Mundi full-body burial doesn't yet have widespread Canadian cemetery accommodation.
What's the urn version like?
Biodegradable urn (egg-shaped, starch bioplastic) containing cremated remains, with a tree seedling or sapling planted directly above or with the urn. As urn biodegrades, tree roots access the nutrients. Various designs available — Capsula Mundi specifically, Bios Urn, EcoFunerals, others.
How does it work practically?
Cremated remains placed in biodegradable urn. Tree species selected. Site selected (private property with appropriate trees, or cemetery green burial section accommodating). Urn placed in ground at appropriate depth (typically 2-3 feet). Tree seedling planted above. Tree grows over years as urn biodegrades.
What tree species work?
Native species typically best. Specific to climate — maple, birch, oak, evergreens common in Canada. Some urns come with specific tree seedlings; others let you choose. Native species support local ecosystem; non-native may be inappropriate or invasive.
What does it cost?
Biodegradable urn: $150-500 typical. Cremation itself: $1,500-3,500. Site preparation and tree planting: depends on location. Cemetery green burial section may charge usage fee. Private property: no cemetery fee but specific land considerations.
Are there other tree-burial options in Canada?
Yes — Bios Urn (similar concept, Spanish design); EcoFunerals; various Canadian providers; some cemetery memorial forest programs (where you contribute to a tree planting in cemetery); private property memorial groves; community memorial forest programs in some areas.