Green burial 101
What is green burial?
A simple, natural return to the earth — and one of the most meaningful ways to leave a living legacy.
The basics
Care for the dead that also cares for the land.
Green burial is an alternative to conventional practices and products. It allows for a simple, natural return to the earth in places of solace and beauty. Rather than slowing the natural process, it welcomes it — nourishing native plants, trees, and wildlife.
At Morgan Oaks, both full-body green burial and cremation burial are offered in all of our gardens, with a fraction of the cost and none of the pollution associated with traditional cemeteries.
How it works
Five principles of a green burial
- 1
Simple care
No embalming chemicals. Your loved one is cared for naturally by a funeral home of your choice.
- 2
Biodegradable containers
A shroud, a simple wood or wicker casket, or a natural urn that returns to the soil.
- 3
No concrete vault
The body or cremated remains rest directly in the earth so the land can do its quiet work.
- 4
Natural markers
Flush natural stones and GPS locations keep the landscape open, wild, and beautiful.
- 5
Protected land
Burial fees help conserve and restore native oak woodland and grassland for generations.
Side by side
Green burial vs. conventional burial
| Practice | Green burial | Conventional |
|---|---|---|
| Embalming chemicals | ||
| Concrete vault or grave liner | ||
| Biodegradable shroud, casket, or urn | ||
| Native habitat restored & protected | ||
| Families may participate in the burial | ||
| Manicured lawn & upright headstones |
Before you decide
The questions families ask most
Straight answers on the law, the land, and what actually happens — with deeper reading if you want it.
- Is green burial legal in California?
Yes. Green burial is legal throughout California, and state law does not require embalming. Burial must take place in a licensed cemetery like Morgan Oaks, which holds California Certificate of Authority COA 667.
California natural burial laws- How is the land protected long-term?
Part of every plot fee goes to an endowment care fund that maintains the preserve for good, and burial fees fund the restoration of native oak woodland and grassland. Burials are spaced at a few hundred per acre, far below the density of conventional cemeteries, so the land stays open and wild.
What makes a green cemetery- How is the body cared for without embalming?
Refrigeration or dry ice keeps the body cool until burial, which usually happens within days. Your funeral home handles this, and California also allows families to care for a loved one at home and hold a home funeral if they wish.
Step-by-step planning checklist- How deep is a green burial, and how does the body return to the earth?
Green graves are dug shallower than conventional ones, typically around 3½ to 4 feet, where soil is rich with oxygen and organisms. Without a vault or sealed casket, a shroud or simple container lets the body break down naturally and nourish the plants above.
How green burial works- What is the environmental impact compared with conventional burial?
Conventional burial puts embalming fluid, concrete vaults, and metal caskets into the ground and relies on mowing, irrigation, and fertilizer. Green burial uses none of these, and unlike cremation it burns no fuel. The land becomes habitat for wildflowers, pollinators, and birds.
Green burial vs. cremation for the environment
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between green burial and natural burial?
The terms are often used interchangeably. Both describe burial without embalming, vaults, or non-biodegradable materials so the body can return naturally to the earth.
Is green burial sanitary?
Yes. Bodies buried in biodegradable materials in healthy soil decompose naturally. Morgan Oaks follows setback requirements to protect groundwater and avoid flood-prone areas.
Can I have a green burial with a religious service?
Yes. Green burial is compatible with virtually any faith tradition. Many religious practices already call for simple, natural burial.
We Are Here For You Every Step Of The Way
Learn more about our green burial options, walk the land with our team, or simply ask a question. We’ll answer with care.