A tree planted in someone’s memory grows for decades, and the plaque beside it should last as long. A cast bronze memorial tree plaque records the name, the date and a few words at the foot of the tree, on a stake, a boulder or a low post, and weathers to the same warm brown as the bark. Families, schools, churches and workplaces design them in our online tool, where the price shows as you type and a written proof is checked before casting.
Design a tree plaque online
Pick a size and shape, add the name, the date the tree was planted and a line of wording, and see the price for solid cast bronze straight away.
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Where the plaque goes
- On a ground stake at the drip line of the tree, angled so it reads from the path. The plaque is clear of the trunk, so the tree is never harmed as it grows.
- On a boulder set beside the tree, fixed with concealed studs in epoxy. The most permanent option and the one most parks prefer.
- On a low post of timber, steel or recycled plastic, with screws and rosettes.
- Flush in a paved edge or a concrete pad where mowers run, so nothing stands above the ground.
We do not recommend screwing a plaque to a living trunk. The tree grows around the fixings and the plaque is eventually swallowed or torn loose.
Public park and campus tree programs
Many city parks departments, arboretums and universities run tree dedication programs. Some supply or specify the plaque, some allow none at all, and a few, such as Seattle Parks and Recreation, do not permit plaques on donated trees in natural areas. Ask the program for its written rules before you order. If it gives a size, type that size into the designer; if it gives a wording limit, the proof will show you whether your text fits.
Sizes and prices
| Size (inches) | Typical use | Designer price |
|---|---|---|
| 4 x 8 portrait | Stake plaque: name, year planted, species | $455.70 |
| 5 x 8 portrait | Stake or post plaque with a line of wording | $498.34 |
| 8 x 6 | Boulder plaque for a family tree | $540.98 |
| 12 x 8 | Grove or avenue dedication | $796.86 |
Prices from our live designer for a standard rectangle with a classic border and leatherette background, shipping included. Ovals and circles are also available and suit a boulder well.
What to put on a tree plaque
The best tree plaques are short. The name and the dates, the species or the date the tree was planted, and one line that says why. A leaf, an oak, a willow or a bird from the motif library is cast in relief beside the text.
- This oak was planted in memory of Robert Lee Chen, 1938 to 2024, by his grandchildren
- Class of 2026 Dedication Tree, Red Maple, planted May 2026
- In honor of thirty years of service, Sister Anne Dolan, Dogwood, 2025
- Mom’s cherry tree. Every spring, we think of you.
Stakes, mowers and frost
A stake mounted plaque should be set so its top edge sits below the mower deck height or inside a mulch ring, and pushed deep enough that frost heave does not lift it. A flat back plaque bonded to a boulder, or lugs with studs set in epoxy, avoids both problems and is what we suggest for a plaque that must outlast the people who planted the tree. Choose the fastening in the designer and the plaque ships with a template.
How to order
- Open the free design tool, pick the shape and set the size in inches. The price updates as you go.
- Add the wording, choose a border and background, and add an emblem, motif or photo if you want one.
- Pick the fastening: flat back, concealed lugs with studs, or screws visible from the front.
- Save the design and order it from My Account. We send a written proof, and nothing is cast until you approve it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a plaque on a memorial tree in a public park?
Only if the park’s program allows it. Some cities supply the plaque, some ask you to buy one to a set size, and some do not permit plaques on donated trees at all. Ask the parks office for the written rules first.
How much does a memorial tree plaque cost?
In our designer a 4 by 8 inch stake plaque is $455.70, a 5 by 8 is $498.34 and an 8 by 6 boulder plaque is $540.98, shipping included. The price updates on screen as you change the size and options.
Should the plaque be fixed to the tree?
No. Fixing anything to a living trunk damages the tree and the plaque is pushed off or grown over within a few years. Use a stake at the drip line, a boulder beside the tree or a low post.
What should a tree dedication plaque say?
Keep it short: the name and dates, the species or the planting date, and one line about the person. A motif such as a leaf or an oak can be cast beside the words.
How long does it take?
Allow about 3 to 4 weeks for casting after you approve the free proof, plus 5 to 10 days for delivery anywhere in the USA and worldwide.
Mark the tree in bronze
Design the plaque in minutes, see the price, and approve a free proof before casting.
Explore: memorial garden plaques · memorial bench plaques · bronze plaque prices
