Natural Burial: A Complete Guide

Natural burial is a simple, eco-friendly way to lay someone to rest without embalming, metal caskets, or concrete vaults. The body is placed directly in the earth in a biodegradable shroud or wooden casket, allowing it to decompose naturally and return to the soil.

If you are exploring natural burial for yourself or a loved one, you are choosing an approach that honors both the person who died and the environment. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about natural burial, from the process and costs to finding the right cemetery.

What Is Natural Burial?

Natural burial, also called green burial, returns the body to the earth without chemical preservation or non-biodegradable materials. The focus is on simplicity and environmental sustainability.

In a natural burial, the body is not embalmed. Instead, it is placed in a biodegradable casket made of materials like pine, bamboo, or wicker, or wrapped in a natural fiber shroud. The grave is dug by hand or with minimal machinery, and no concrete vault or grave liner is used.

The goal is to let the body decompose naturally, enriching the soil and supporting new plant growth. Many natural burial grounds are preserved as conservation areas, protecting the land from development in perpetuity.

Types of Natural Burial Grounds

Natural burial can take place in three main types of cemeteries, each with different levels of environmental commitment.

Conventional Cemeteries with Natural Sections

Some traditional cemeteries designate specific sections for natural burial. These areas may have relaxed rules about embalming and vaults, but the overall cemetery still operates conventionally. This option provides easier access but with fewer environmental benefits.

Natural Burial Grounds

These cemeteries are specifically designed for green burial practices. They prohibit embalming, require biodegradable burial containers, and maintain the land with minimal intervention. Graves are often marked with native stones or small plaques rather than traditional headstones.

Conservation Burial Grounds

Conservation burial grounds offer the highest level of environmental protection. These sites are permanently preserved as natural habitat, often in partnership with land trusts. The burial fees help fund ongoing conservation efforts.

The Green Burial Council certifies natural burial grounds across the United States, ensuring they meet specific environmental standards.

Source: Green Burial Council

The Natural Burial Process

Natural burial follows a simpler process than conventional burial, but it requires careful planning and coordination.

Body Preparation

The body is not embalmed. Instead, it is washed, dressed, and kept cool until burial. Refrigeration or dry ice maintains the body for the short period between death and burial, typically within three to five days.

Some families choose to hold a home vigil during this time, allowing loved ones to say goodbye in a peaceful setting. This practice is legal in most states with proper arrangements.

Burial Container Options

Natural burial requires biodegradable materials only. Popular options include:

• Wooden caskets made from sustainably harvested timber
• Wicker or bamboo caskets
• Cardboard caskets
• Natural fiber shrouds made from cotton, linen, or wool

The container must be free of metal hardware, synthetic materials, and toxic finishes. Some natural burial grounds have specific requirements for burial containers.

The Burial

Graves are typically hand-dug to reduce environmental impact. The burial depth varies by cemetery but is usually between three and four feet deep. No concrete vault or grave liner is used, allowing the body to have direct contact with the soil.

Family members can often participate in filling the grave, creating a meaningful ritual for those who wish to help lay their loved one to rest.

Natural Burial Costs

Natural burial often costs less than conventional burial, though prices vary significantly by location and cemetery type.

The typical cost breakdown includes:

• Burial plot: $1,000 to $5,000
• Grave digging: $300 to $1,500
• Biodegradable casket or shroud: $100 to $3,000
• Funeral home services: $1,000 to $3,000

Conservation burial grounds tend to be more expensive, with plots ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 or more. However, these higher costs support land preservation efforts.

Natural burial eliminates several expensive components of conventional burial, including embalming ($500 to $1,500), metal caskets ($2,000 to $10,000+), and burial vaults ($1,000 to $3,000).

Source: National Funeral Directors Association

Legal Considerations and Regulations

Natural burial is legal in all 50 states, but specific regulations vary by location. Most states do not require embalming for burial, though some require it if the burial is delayed more than a certain number of days.

Some states require a funeral director to handle the burial arrangements, while others allow families to manage the process themselves. It is important to check local and state laws before making arrangements.

When someone dies, certain steps must be followed regardless of burial type. You will need to obtain a death certificate and follow your state’s requirements for body transportation and burial permits.

Environmental Benefits

Natural burial offers significant environmental advantages compared to conventional burial practices.

Traditional burial uses large amounts of non-renewable resources. Each year, conventional burials in the United States consume approximately:

• 30 million board feet of hardwood
• 90,272 tons of steel
• 14,000 tons of steel and 2,700 tons of copper and bronze for caskets
• 1.6 million tons of reinforced concrete for vaults
• 827,060 gallons of embalming fluid

Natural burial eliminates these resource demands and reduces the carbon footprint associated with manufacturing and transporting burial products.

Conservation burial grounds provide additional environmental benefits by protecting natural habitats and supporting biodiversity. These preserved lands serve as wildlife corridors and help combat habitat fragmentation.

Source: Green Burial Council Environmental Impact

How to Plan a Natural Burial

Planning a natural burial requires research and advance preparation. Start by locating natural burial grounds in your area and understanding their specific requirements.

Finding a Natural Burial Ground

The Green Burial Council maintains a directory of certified natural burial grounds across the United States. You can also contact local funeral homes to ask about natural burial options in your area.

When evaluating burial grounds, consider factors such as:

• Distance from your home
• Certification level and environmental standards
• Plot availability and pricing
• Rules about burial containers and markers
• Visiting policies and access

Working with Funeral Professionals

Not all funeral homes are familiar with natural burial practices. Look for funeral directors who have experience with green burial or are willing to learn about your specific requirements.

Some funeral homes specialize in natural burial and can guide you through the entire process. Others may require you to educate them about your preferences and legal requirements.

Documentation and Advance Planning

If you are planning your own natural burial, document your wishes clearly. Include specific instructions about body preparation, burial container preferences, and cemetery choice.

Share these plans with family members and include them in your estate planning documents. This preparation helps ensure your wishes are honored and reduces stress for your loved ones.

Memorial Options

Natural burial grounds often have restrictions on traditional headstones and monuments. Instead, they encourage more natural forms of memorialization.

Common memorial options include:

• Native stones or fieldstones
• Small bronze or stone markers
• Plant dedications or tree plantings
• GPS coordinates for grave location
• Online memorial websites

Some conservation burial grounds maintain memorial walls or gardens where families can install small plaques or markers away from the actual burial sites.

Common Questions About Natural Burial

Is natural burial sanitary and safe?

Yes, natural burial is completely safe when proper procedures are followed. Bodies decompose naturally in soil environments without posing health risks. The practice has been used for thousands of years without incident.

Modern natural burial follows health department guidelines for burial depth and location relative to water sources. These regulations ensure public health protection while allowing natural decomposition.

How long does decomposition take in natural burial?

The decomposition timeline varies based on soil conditions, climate, and burial depth. In most natural burial settings, soft tissues decompose within two to five years, while bones may persist much longer.

Factors that affect decomposition include soil type, moisture levels, temperature, and the presence of beneficial microorganisms. Natural burial grounds often have soil conditions that support efficient decomposition.

Can families visit natural burial graves?

Most natural burial grounds welcome family visits, though access may be more limited than traditional cemeteries. Some conservation burial grounds have specific visiting hours or require appointments to protect the natural environment.

Grave locations may be marked with GPS coordinates rather than visible monuments, so families should ask about location methods when making arrangements.

What happens if a natural burial ground closes?

Conservation burial grounds typically have legal protections that prevent closure or development. These sites often work with land trusts or conservation organizations to ensure permanent protection.

Natural burial sections in conventional cemeteries have the same legal protections as other cemetery plots. Cemetery laws in most states provide strong protection for existing graves even if ownership changes.

Can veterans choose natural burial?

Veterans can choose natural burial, though options in national cemeteries are limited. Some state and private veterans’ cemeteries offer natural burial sections.

Veterans choosing natural burial in private cemeteries may still be eligible for certain VA benefits, including burial allowances and headstone provisions. Check with the VA about benefit eligibility for natural burial arrangements.

Natural burial offers a meaningful way to honor someone’s life while protecting the environment for future generations. With careful planning and the right partners, families can create a beautiful, sustainable final resting place that reflects their values and provides comfort for years to come.

This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult qualified professionals for guidance specific to your situation.