Public Pet Memorial Tree Burial: Taipei's "Secret Garden"
In Taiwan, where land is scarce and densely populated, the Taipei City Mortuary Services Office has long promoted eco-friendly and sustainable burial practices that harmonize with the natural environment. As part of this initiative, the city established the nation's first tree burial areas — Fude Life Memorial Park in November 2003 and Yong'ai Garden in June 2007.
During the promotion of these "tree and ash scattering" services, many citizens expressed a desire to arrange similar eco-burial options for their beloved pets, such as cats and dogs. In response to public interest and to further encourage awareness of tree burial practices, the Mortuary Services Office designed a warm and welcoming pet memorial area.
Adjacent to the Yong'ai Garden tree burial site, the country's first pet ash-scattering area — the "Secret Garden" — was thoughtfully created. This peaceful space allows pet owners in urban areas to commemorate their companions in a natural and compassionate way, reinforcing both environmental values and emotional connection.
Secret Garden in the Tree Ash Scattering Zone
Hidden within the tree ash scattering area lies a beautiful "Secret Garden," covering an area of about 500 ping (approximately 1,650 square meters). Two flowerbeds have already been arranged—purple fine-leaved cigar plants along the outer circle and bright yellow creeping peanuts blooming gracefully within.
The surroundings are enclosed with low wooden fences and hedges. The Funeral Service Department has thoughtfully adorned the space with colorful pinwheels, cheerful sunflowers, and playful dog-shaped ornaments. A cozy wooden cabin stands nearby, offering a warm and homelike atmosphere for beloved pet angels.
The overall design of the "Secret Garden" harmonizes naturally with the adjacent small lake, viewing deck, and scenic landscape, creating a peaceful coexistence between the human memorial area and the pet ash scattering zone—neighbors united in love and remembrance.
Pet Burial Services Reflect Changing Human–Pet Bonds
In modern society, as lifestyles evolve, the relationship between people and their pets has become increasingly intimate. When a pet passes away, services such as transportation of the body, shrouds, cremation, urns, and placement in columbaria are now commonly available. Aside from the absence of formal funerals, obituary notices, or condolence money, the arrangements are often as elaborate and heartfelt as those for humans.
A survey conducted in the United Kingdom among 100,000 seniors found that being buried together with their pet's ashes ranked second among their final wishes. This shows that the emotional bond between humans and pets is a universal phenomenon.
According to statistics, there are around 150,000 pets in Taipei City. To address pet owners' concerns about their pets' final resting place, Taipei City's Department of Funeral Services has introduced a thoughtful "pet ash scattering" service. Pet owners—regardless of whether they are Taipei residents—can apply for this free service after completing their pet's cremation by bringing their ID card to the Fude Columbarium Office and filling out an application form.
To ensure that scattering ash ceremonies are conducted smoothly and safely, the management office also provides small grinders for owners whose pets' ashes might not be fully processed during private cremations. This considerate feature helps pets return to nature more completely and peacefully.
What Is Tree Burial?
A tree burial refers to an eco-friendly method of handling cremated remains. After cremation, the ashes are carefully placed inside a biodegradable paper or cotton bag. Instead of erecting a tombstone or marking the deceased's name, the bag is either buried at the base of a tree or scattered in designated gardens or grassy areas.
This practice symbolizes the reunion of the deceased with nature, allowing the remains to nourish the earth and contribute to new life. It does not occupy land space like traditional burials and helps promote environmental sustainability.
In recent years, this type of green burial has gained popularity in a number of developed countries, where environmental awareness and innovative memorial practices are becoming increasingly valued.
What's the Difference Between Tree Scattering and Tree Burial?Understanding Tree Burial
The term "tree burial" refers to a burial method in which cremated ashes are treated using specialized equipment before being placed into a biodegradable, non-toxic container. This container is then buried in the soil around a tree within a cemetery, allowing the remains to return naturally to the earth and nourish new life.
This eco-friendly practice emphasizes harmony with nature, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional burials. It reflects a growing awareness of environmental conservation and the desire for deeper connections between human life and the natural world.
Understanding Scattering Burial
The term "scattering burial" refers to the process where cremated ashes, after being further processed by specialized equipment, are scattered within designated areas such as parks, green spaces, forests, or other suitable locations authorized by the competent authority.
In recent years, this approach has gained popularity as an environmentally friendly and space-saving alternative to traditional burials. It allows families to return the remains of loved ones to nature in a dignified and peaceful way.
Note: The exact regulations and designated sites for scattering burials vary by region and must comply with local laws and environmental guidelines.
Tree Burial: A Return to Nature
Tree scattering burials embody the Chinese traditional belief in "resting in peace after being laid to earth" and "returning to nature." This method—where ashes are scattered within designated areas or buried beneath trees—symbolizes the transformation of life into nature itself. It allows life to continue in the natural world, completes the cycle between humans and the environment, conserves land resources, and helps protect the ecosystem.
Families of the deceased may visit the Garden of Eternal Love or the Memorial Park to remember and honor their loved ones. The designated tree burial and scattering zones are managed under a recycling and shared-use system. Private installation of markers or structures is not permitted, and burning or placing of incense, candles, or paper offerings is strictly prohibited.
Public Tree Burial Area for Pets
Taipei City has taken the national lead in promoting environmentally friendly burial methods such as tree burials and ash scattering. On November 10, 2003, the city established the first trial area for tree burials in Taiwan. In 2007, a dedicated 1.2-hectare tree burial zone—named "Yong Ai Garden"—was built within Fude Cemetery.
The garden integrates functions of tree and ash burials while emphasizing environmental protection, scenic beauty, and ecological restoration. It provides 6,000 tree burial plots and is planted with around 3,000 trees and shrubs, including sandalwood cypress, osmanthus, cherry blossoms, magnolia, and Araucaria pines.
No tombstones are erected and no names of the deceased are displayed. The ashes are placed in biodegradable containers and buried beneath the trees, allowing loved ones to rest eternally in a setting as serene and picturesque as a poem or painting.
Family members visiting the site can enjoy the rare tranquility of nature while paying tribute to their beloved companions in a peaceful, environmentally conscious way.
