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“Tree of Life” Memorial Tree Planting Program

Cremation Center of Southern Utah • April 23, 2025

Arbor Day will be celebrated this year on Friday, April 25 – a holiday in which individuals and groups are encouraged to plant trees and enjoy the outdoors. Our Tree of Life Memorial Tree Planting Program is a unique offering that combines the significance of Arbor Day and the remembrance of a loved one.

When funeral or cremation arrangements are made with Serenity Funeral Home or the Cremation Center of Southern Utah, provisions are made to plant a tree in honor of the deceased in Southern Utah’s Dixie National Forest. This program is in conjunction with the U.S. Forest Service Department of Agriculture. Since its inception, we have facilitated the planting of over 4,100 trees. Our desire is to provide a living and lasting memorial in remembrance of your loved one. You will also be provided with a tree planting certificate honoring your loved one.

This program was born out of a desire to serve and give back to our community. Trees are a majestic and brilliant reminder of life and vitality, and they serve our environment in numerous ways. They provide beauty, oxygen, and help clean the air. Trees help prevent water pollution, soil erosion, and provide a habitat for animals. They have also been proven to be natural healers – studies have shown that hospital patients with views of trees outside their windows heal faster and with less complications. Planting trees today will help ensure flourishing forests for generations to come.

By planting groves of trees, it is our hope to provide a measure of comfort to survivors grieving the loss of a loved one. May their presence bring you peace as their branches reach heavenward. May their grandeur benefit our world for generations to come.

Please stop by our office for more information on our Tree of Life Memorial Tree Planting Program. We are located just off Riverside Drive at 1316 S. 400 E., St. George, UT, or contact us at (435) 986-9100.

Submitted by W. Russell Atkin, Funeral Director/Owner

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