Green Burial
Question
April 21, 2024
I am planning on a green burial on my own property which has lots of shale in the ground and I was wondering if I should dig the site first and put in composting material that will be there upon my burial? Your advice will be greatly appreciated. Bucks County Pa
Answer(s)
Answer by WR: I'll copy your question on to our Q&A group and perhaps one or more will have good advice for you. We (here in the high desert) have very different soil and climate than you but some basic principles are the same. (I used to live in NJ and have good memories of visiting Bucks County.)
Answer by JH: First you should address the legality of your plan. If permissible, then evaluate the soil underneath the shale - heavy clay I am guessing. If it is clay, rather than top it with compost it would be better to dig it up and mix with sand and compost, possibly repeating the process as necessary. That could make a lovely resting place. It’s what I suggest based on my former stomping grounds of shale/clay soil near you in Ohio.
Answer by JZ: Great that you are preparing for your future burial. I agree with WR's assessment. The picture you sent is verdant! I am originally from rainy New York State.
Your climate: abundant rain/snow provides plenty of moisture for decomposition to occur naturally. However, if you are motivated and capable I think that there would be no harm
In adding soil amendments in the burial site area. Guessing that compost would be the easiest amendment to add. If shale obstructs your progress in your burial area you may have to slowly break it up as you add amendments.