There are a few logistics involved with burial that you don’t have to consider with cremation. One of the biggest differences is the need for a burial plot.
Even though burial is less common than cremation now, there are still more types of burial plots available than ever before. Anyone who is preplanning funeral services or arranging a funeral for a loved one may be surprised to find they have to decide which type of burial plot they want.
In this post we’re helping you do just that. We’ve gathered together information on each type of burial plot to help make the choice a little easier.
Traditional Burial Plot
Let’s start with the most basic option – the traditional burial plot. This is what most people think about when they think of burial. It’s typically a 8’ long by 2.5’ wide rectangular space that fits a standard casket that’s buried about six feet down.
With traditional burial plots a concrete liner is used to keep the grave from collapsing in on itself. You’ll find this type of burial plot can be found in just about every active cemetery.
Double Depth Burial Plots
A double depth burial plot is just like it sounds. It’s twice as deep as a standard burial plot. Why would someone want a double depth burial plot? To use the vertical space.
The advantage of a double depth burial plot is that you can do two burials in one plot, which is why they are sometimes called companion plots. It’s actually a solution that’s being used in areas that are running out of space for burials.
Family Burial Plots
What if you and your spouse want to be buried side-by-side. Or you have a large family and you know numerous people plan to be buried. That’s what family plots are for. These are small sections of a cemetery with numerous burial plots together in a group.
Family burial plots tend to have a feature that helps partition off the plots such as a stone border or flower beds. Some will even have a seating area and larger plants or trees within the family burial plot.
With a family burial plot the single plots are used as needed. It may even be possible to do double depth plots if you plan ahead.
Natural Burial Plots
If you want to have a green burial, then you’ll need a natural burial plot. This type of plot is only found in certain cemeteries or small portions of cemeteries that have been designated for natural burial.
The biggest difference between a natural burial plot and a traditional one is that natural burial plots won’t allow non-biodegradable objects to be buried. Even the casket needs to be made of all-natural materials that will break down in the soil.
Another thing to keep in mind is that most cemeteries won’t allow a body to be buried in a natural burial plot if embalming was performed. The embalming fluids will leach out into the ground causing contamination.
What’s above the ground also matters with a natural burial plot. Only certain types of grave markers can be used.
Lawn Crypts
Lawn crypts are another final resting place in cemeteries. These are essentially mausoleums that are underground to protect the casket from the elements.
Installing a lawn crypt requires excavating a large area where a concrete vault is poured. A drainage system is also created to protect the caskets inside the crypt from water damage. Often the lawn crypt is large enough for two caskets to fit inside.
Another advantage of a lawn crypt is that they are much easier to access compared to a burial plot. The top of the lawn crypt is covered with sod that can be removed so that the lawn crypt can be opened. A nameplate marker is used to designate the location of the crypt since it will blend in with the rest of the lawn.
A growing number of people are open to the idea of a lawn crypt because it can be more affordable than a traditional burial. Because of the space that is saved, a lawn crypt could even be more affordable than a family burial plot.
Cremation Burial Plots
Even if you plan to get cremated, you can still get buried. Some families choose to bury a portion or all of a loved one’s cremated remains in a cremation burial plot, also known as an urn plot. It’s a common practice in the Catholic religion that believes cremated remains should be kept on holy grounds.
A cremation burial plot is much smaller than a traditional grave for a casket. Cremation plots are usually just 1’ wide by 2’ long, and are usually found in a memorial garden within a cemetery.
These aren’t to be confused with a columbarium niche. Niches are above ground and can either be completely closed off and out of view or be on display where you can see the urn.
Burial Plot Options: It All Depends on the Cemetery, But There’s Another Option . . .
The types of burial plots that are available in your area all depend on the local cemeteries. The cemetery decides what type of plots it will offer.
Of course, in states like Texas, families do have another option. It’s possible to do a home burial on your own private property that you don’t plan to sell. All you need is the owner’s permission and documentation that the burial occurred. However, you will need to check the state and local laws first to find out if there are any limitations or regulations to follow.
At Cremation.Green we can help families arrange an eco-friendly cremation or natural burial. We can work directly with cemeteries in the area to coordinate a natural burial or the burial of cremated remains depending on your disposition preference.
Our team can be reached at any time day or night to help you make arrangements and answer your questions.
