Frequently Asked Questions

We understand that death care is a sensitive and deeply personal topic. We are committed to transparency and our goal is to help you navigate this decision with clarity, compassion, and the information you need. This FAQ section provides straightforward answers to common questions, placing terramation within the context of traditional and contemporary options, so you can make an informed choice that aligns with your values and vision for a meaningful legacy. If you have more questions or seek additional information, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team - we're here to support you every step of the way.

  • Our terramation process gently mirrors the natural breakdown of the body, much like what would occur in the earth. However, instead of taking many years underground, it happens in an electronically monitored vessel that maintains the ideal conditions for transformation. In just 60-90 days, the body is transformed into clean earth.

    Scientifically and legally known as "natural organic reduction" (similar to how incineration is the process behind cremation or interment refers to burial), terramation provides a gentle, respectful way to return to the earth. What makes terramation truly special is its ability to turn loss into something beautiful. The resulting life-giving earth can be used to nourish and plant trees, gardens, or contribute to environmental restoration projects, allowing a loved one’s legacy to live on long after they pass. 

    You can read more about terramation here

  • You can access our comparison table here

  • Evergrove is headquartered in Australia, where we are leveraging the country's innovative ecosystem and advanced smart manufacturing technologies to develop our technology and services. While our research and development is rooted here, we are actively working towards bringing Evergrove’s services to communities worldwide and have not determined which country will be the first to launch our services.

  • Evergrove’s terramation technology and holistic vision is uniquely our own. We have over 15 years of experience in this field and have been researching, developing, and trialling this technology for over 5 years in Australia, building on our proprietary formulas, designs, and inputs to create a system that maximises sustainability and safety. Our advanced approach is designed with and for the community, ensuring it meets the needs and values of those we serve. We have conducted social research with Australian communities to understand perspectives and preferences, and we will soon be expanding this research to other countries.

  • After an extensive period of technological research and development, we are now in the early stages of building Evergrove’s services. While we’ve been refining our technology for over five years, the speed at which we can launch depends on more than just technology. Legislative changes, industry support, and the creation of necessary infrastructure are crucial factors.

    Our voice matters. By raising awareness and showing that this is the future we want, we can demonstrate to governments and industry that now is the time for change. Pre register your interest now to be among the first to know when and where our services will become available.

  • Yes. We are committed to making our service accessible to everyone. We’re designing pricing models that are competitive with both traditional burial and cremation, but with the added benefit of being nature positive.


    You can read more about our future pricing here

  • The idea of "tree pods" was a hypothetical concept that generated interest online. Essentially, it proposed using human remains to grow a tree directly within a pod. However, it remains a conceptual idea with significant logistical and scientific challenges. Terramation, on the other hand, is a real, proven process that transforms human remains into life giving earth. This earth can then be used to nourish new trees or existing natural spaces. We believe terramation achieves the vision behind tree pods in a more practical and impactful way since you can do far more than plant just one tree.

  • Yes! We understand how special pets are and we plan on extending our services to beloved animals. While our current focus is on providing this service for people, pet terramation is definitely part of our future roadmap.

General Information

  • Terramation is a natural process that gently transforms human remains into nutrient-rich earth, creating a beautiful way to honour life while restoring nature. Our vessels carefully manage the environment to ensure a safe, clean, and efficient transformation over 60-90 days.

  • People are laid directly into our vessels on a soft bed of natural materials like hay and straw. This promotes the natural breakdown process. Similar to burial or cremation, the person can be clothed or wrapped in a shroud.

  • Evergrove offers end-to-end support for planning and hosting funerals or celebrations of life, helping families with each step. Ceremonies can be held in our sanctuaries or at a location of your choice.


    Read more about funerals with Evergrove here.

  • Yes, when families choose to hold the funeral at one of our sanctuaries, the person remains inside the vessel during the service. The vessel is present in the room, offering a respectful and seamless transition into the terramation process. This format allows families to have their final moments with their loved ones in a warm, peaceful environment, with the vessel providing an integral part of the ceremony.

  • If you opt for a funeral service outside of our sanctuary, such as in a place of worship like a church, a coffin may be necessary for that portion of the service. In these cases, we can help families choose a rentable coffin with a sterile, removable liner. Renting is a more practical option, as coffins are not required for the terramation process and would otherwise have no purpose afterward. If needed, we are happy to discuss alternatives for specific wishes or circumstances.

  • Yes, Evergrove welcomes diverse cultural and religious traditions. We support families in incorporating faith-based elements and are also exploring designated spaces within our sanctuaries to accommodate specific spiritual needs.

    Learn more about funerals here and explore Evergrove’s ongoing commitment to religious and cultural inclusion here

  • The Resting Ceremony offers a peaceful opportunity for gathering around the vessel, where your loved one rests, allowing for a moment of closure. Flowers can be laid, quiet reflections shared, and respects paid in a meaningful, private setting.


    Learn more about the Resting Ceremony here.

Evergrove’s Process

  • Yes, terramation is an extremely safe process. Our process is carried out in a carefully controlled environment using highly monitored vessels that ensure optimal conditions for the breakdown process. Here’s how we ensure the highest standards of safety and dignity:

    • Pathogen Elimination: The terramation process eradicates harmful pathogens, parasites, and bacteria. The controlled environment, including the use of aeration, temperature regulation, and moisture, ensures that any harmful microorganisms are destroyed. The resulting earth is free of pathogens, making it completely safe. In fact, this earth is likely even safer than the soil found in your garden or local park due to the controlled and rigorous process it undergoes.

    • No Identifiable Human DNA: Just like cremation, there are no traces of the body or identifiable human DNA after the process is complete.

    • Rigorous Sterilisation: Terramation occurs in vessels that are sterilised after each use. The process ensures that every vessel is thoroughly cleaned using medical-grade sterilisation techniques, leaving no contaminants.

    • No Hazardous Chemicals: Unlike traditional burial, which can introduce embalming chemicals and non-biodegradable materials into the soil, terramation uses only natural materials. This ensures that the earth produced is free from any harmful substances and is environmentally friendly.

    • Safe for Memorial and Environmental Use: The life-giving earth created through terramation is completely safe and can be used in personal memorials or environmental conservation projects. Unlike cremated ashes, which often have a high pH level and can be harmful to soil and plants, the earth produced through terramation is neutral and safe for nourishing plant life, ensuring a lasting and positive environmental impact.

    You can read more about our commitment to safety and quality here.

  • No, terramation is a safe, hygienic, and highly controlled process. It occurs in an electronically monitored vessel that creates the perfect conditions for natural decomposition, free of any insects, worms, or bugs. The process is clean and carefully regulated to ensure a respectful transformation into life giving earth.

  • No, embalming disqualifies you from terramation. Embalming, once essential in preserving bodies for extended periods of time, is no longer a necessary practice in most modern contexts. Here's why:

    • Embalming was originally developed during the American Civil War to preserve the bodies of soldiers who died far from home. The process helped families transport their loved ones' remains across long distances for burial. Today, in countries like the United States, embalming has become a more routine practice, often for open-casket funerals or when a significant amount of time will pass between death and burial.

    • However, embalming is unnecessary in most cases because modern refrigeration and funeral home practices can preserve a body without the need for chemical treatments. In countries like Australia and the UK, embalming is far less common and is typically only used in special circumstances (such as for long delays before burial or transportation overseas).

    • Importantly, embalming is harmful to the environment. The chemicals used in the process, such as formaldehyde, can leach into the soil after burial, contaminating groundwater and contributing to environmental degradation. These chemicals also pose health risks to funeral home workers. Given these drawbacks and the limited need for long-term preservation, many now view embalming as an outdated and ecologically harmful practice.

    Since terramation focuses on a natural breakdown process, the presence of embalming chemicals disrupts the body's ability to decompose naturally. Therefore, embalmed bodies are not eligible for terramation, as the chemicals interfere with the microbiome and natural decomposition process, which is essential for transforming the body into life-giving earth.

  • Yes, medical implants do not prevent terramation. These items, such as pacemakers or metal joint replacements, will be safely removed after the process. Our technology monitors and ensures that only organic material undergoes this transformation.

    100% of proceeds from recycling metal implants will go toward environmental impact projects and expanding access to nature positive death care such as our fund for financial assistance.

  • Terramation is suitable for everyone except those who have had three diseases: Ebola, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (a form of mad cow disease) and active tuberculosis. These conditions pose risks during the process and we are navigating how we might overcome these limitations as we conduct ongoing research and development. For people that have received radiation seed implants, the seeds must be removed and a 30 day period allowed to elapse before they can undergo terramation.

Safety

  • Terramation is designed to be carbon-negative, meaning it absorbs more carbon than it emits. This involves two key phases:

    • Transformation Phase: The terramation process uses significantly less energy than traditional burial or cremation. While cremation can emit 400-500kg of CO₂ and burial can exceed a tonne, terramation results in less than 50kg of CO₂ emissions during the transformation. The exact figure is still being researched, reflecting our commitment to transparency and environmental improvement.

    • Earth Placement Phase: The most impactful environmental benefit comes from how the resulting earth is utilised. Each terramation creates enough life-giving earth to plant up to 12 trees, each capable of sequestering up to 1 tonne of carbon over its lifetime. Additionally, the earth can be directed toward other projects like soil regeneration or biodiversity restoration, enhancing its environmental benefits.

    Even in its simplest form, terramation has a much lower environmental footprint than traditional methods. It supports carbon sequestration, biodiversity, and long-term ecological regeneration for future generations.

    You can read more about our environmental impact here

  • While creating new memorial parks is one option, Evergrove is focused on using existing spaces whenever possible. This allows us to memorialise in the places that held significance during life, from gardens to parks, without the need for extensive land use. Unlike traditional burial or cremation, we don’t face the logistical challenges of managing a body or toxic ashes in the final resting place. Instead, we’re nourishing or planting trees and gardens, making it easier to integrate memorialisation into pre-existing natural spaces. 

    We also work with major green spaces for our environmental impact projects (EIPs), such as national parks, reserves, bushland, and forests, identifying areas that would benefit from tree planting and regeneration. In these cases, while the location may not be one where families visit regularly, it contributes significantly to environmental preservation, enabling legacies to thrive in spaces that nourish life and ecosystems.

  • Our Environmental Impact Projects (EIPs), such as reforestation and soil regeneration initiatives, focus on contributing to the long-term health of the planet. While these locations may not always be accessible for regular visits, we offer a wide range of memorialisation options closer to home, such as planting a tree or garden in a meaningful space, keeping a portion of the earth in an urn, or placing it in a family garden. EIPs ensure your legacy leaves a lasting impact on the environment, while you also have the opportunity to create a memorial that is close to you and your loved ones.

  • A carbon credit works by allowing a company or project that reduces or removes harmful emissions (like carbon dioxide) to earn a credit. Companies that produce too much pollution can buy these credits to offset their emissions. This way, even if a company hasn’t reduced its own pollution, it can still meet its environmental goals by supporting projects that do reduce pollution. It’s a system that helps everyone work together to stay within global pollution limits and reduce the total amount of harmful emissions over time.

  • Just like people, trees, flowers, and plants have their natural lifespans. While Evergrove is committed to supporting the growth and care of memorials, we cannot guarantee that they will last indefinitely. However, we aim to provide the best possible conditions for your living memorial to thrive. Wherever possible, we’ll offer guidance and support from our horticultural experts to help ensure that your tree or plant has the best chance of growing strong and healthy. Should any issues arise, we’ll work with you to explore maintenance options and potential solutions to help your loved one’s legacy continue to flourish.

Environmental Impact

Memorialisation, Religion & Culture

  • We understand that having a visible marker can be important for many families. Evergrove plans to offer the option of plaques in some memorial sites for those who wish to have an identifiable marker. Larger headstones may only be available in existing cemeteries, as we aim to preserve the natural beauty of our memorial parks and spaces. We also recognise that in some memorial spaces, it may not be possible to have markers, but we will always work to provide alternative ways of memorialisation that are meaningful to you.

    As we continue into the detailed design of our services, these options will become clearer. Our commitment remains the same: we will design with flexibility and care, ensuring that what matters most to you and your family is reflected in your memorial. Whether through plaques, trees, or other forms of remembrance, we are here to create a meaningful and personal experience.

  • We are actively collaborating with religious groups to ensure that we can create tailored offerings alongside our standard services to meet the needs and values of their communities. 


    You can read more about terramation and religion here

  • We understand that some people place importance on perpetuity for memorials, while others may not. At Evergrove, we offer flexible options to honour both preferences. For those seeking long-term or perpetual memorials, we provide options with extended care and maintenance, though these may involve additional costs due to land constraints. Where perpetuity holds special meaning, we are working to accommodate this preference, likely through partnerships with cemeteries. For those who prefer a more temporary or transient memorial, we offer adaptable alternatives that may better reflect your values. Our goal is to support the diverse ways people wish to be remembered.

  • Terramation is currently legal in the US, with laws passed in states like Washington, Oregon, Colorado, California, and New York. It is also being practised in Germany, where it has garnered significant interest for its environmental benefits. However, legality is still being debated in many other regions, and Evergrove is committed to advocating for its wider adoption.

  • Yes, including terramation in your will is a proactive way to ensure that your wishes are honoured. By clearly documenting your preference for terramation, you guide your loved ones in fulfilling your wishes, even if they face challenging decisions. 

    By specifying Evergrove as your preferred provider, you are choosing a service that goes beyond a new option - our approach enables healing, beauty, and renewal through the creation of life-giving memorials. We support you through every step of the process, ensuring a compassionate and seamless experience during a challenging time. Our service is backed by research into world-class technology, designed to provide a transformative and sustainable alternative.

    Evergrove is built with and for the community, shaped by meaningful engagement to create a service that truly reflects diverse needs and values. As a social enterprise, our commitment is not only to individuals and families but to the environment and future generations. Choosing Evergrove means aligning with a vision that nurtures both people and planet, contributing to a future where death care is a source of life, beauty, and renewal.

    Consider these steps when documenting your wishes:

    1. Include your preference for terramation and Evergrove: In your will, specify that you would like terramation as your chosen death-care option. If you’d like, you can also state that Evergrove is your preferred provider to ensure that your legacy aligns with our unique vision for a beautiful and sustainable future.

    2. Discuss your choices with family: Share your wishes with your family to provide clarity and peace of mind. This helps them understand the significance behind your choice, even before they encounter it during a difficult time.

    Revisit and update your will: As terramation becomes more widely accessible, revisit your will to ensure it reflects any updates, such as specific memorialisation preferences - whether it’s planting a tree, contributing to a reforestation project, or nourishing a garden in a place that holds special meaning.

Legal Considerations