Memorial trees & benches

Overview

• Most memorial trees are scheduled for October to allow the maximum amount of root growth before the dry season. Exceptions may be made depending on species and access to irrigation.
• You may request a specific location, however, the species and location will depend on a number of factors such as shade or sun, irrigation or non-irrigated, existing landscape, etc.
• 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.
• If you are interested in a dedication ceremony, the Grounds Department can assist in the reservation of the space where the memorial tree will be located. We recommend working with an associated school or department as a potential resource for the actual ceremony coordination itself.
• 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.
• 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 and the person memorialized.

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. Follow the Step 1 button link below to give online to the Campus Memorials fund. 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

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.