Memorial trees & benches

Overview

• Available memorial tree locations can be found on the Available memorials map (link opens in a new window). You can see photos of the area or trees by clicking on the tree icon and then clicking on the attachments.  
• Ask for the location using the Memorial ID from the map. Once payment is submitted the location will be removed from the availability map.  
• Trees are generally small (4-6 feet tall). Smaller trees require less water and establish faster than larger trees. Studies show smaller trees outgrow large tree planting within a few years.  
• If you request a location not listed on the map, you will be added to a waitlist. We will make every effort to accommodate your request. 

Ceremony and planting

• Most memorial trees are scheduled for October to allow the maximum amount of root growth before the dry season.
• The Grounds Department can assist in reserving the space where the memorial tree is located for a ceremony, if desired. You can perform your own ceremony, or you can work with an associated school or department for ceremony coordination.
• If you choose to have a ceremony, UW Gardeners will plant your tree prior to your ceremony date. The planting process is time-consuming and a bit messy so we like to tidy everything up beforehand. We will leave a small pile of mulch and tools for you to “finish” the planting as part of your ceremony if you wish.
• While the University does not spread ashes on campus, we can set a biodegradable tube at the base of the tree where you can place ashes which will be covered with soil and mulch. The ashes become part of the landscape and integrate into the soil over time. 
• No memorial plaques are allowed to be installed with the tree plantings.
• UW Facilities will maintain the tree as a part of the University’s plant collection. This includes adding the tree to our GIS map of campus memorials, which includes the location, the person memorialized as well as any photos you would like to submit. Photos or attachments can be sent to shoress@uw.edu at any time.

Requesting a memorial tree

Step 1: Make a gift

The preferred method of giving is online as it is processed quickly and securely. You will receive a mailed receipt after it is processed. Ways to give:

• Make a gift online: follow the Step 1 button link below to give online to the Campus Memorials fund.
• Make a gift by check: If you prefer to donate via a check, please mail it to the address below and add a note that the gift is for a memorial bench. Include who the gift is in memory or honor of.
  University of Washington
  c/o Gift Services
  Box 359505
  Seattle, WA 98195
• Make a gift via JV transfer: University Departments can donate with a JV transfer to budget #63-6230. After the transfer, contact Sara Shores at shoress@uw.edu.

Step 2: Contact us

After making your gift online or through a mailed in check, return to this webpage and follow the Step 2 button link below to let us know your donation has been made. Include the Memorial ID from the Available memorials map, if known.