Pre-Planning

Pre-Planning

 

 

 

Pre-planning Before the Need Arises (Pre-Need)

Florida Native wildflower seeds are scattered on the grave after it is closed by hand.The choice of a final resting place is an emotional and deeply personal decision, and many people today are opting to pre-plan their cemetery arrangements.  At Heartwood you choose either full body burial (interment) or the burial of cremated remains (inurnment).

Pre-planning your cemetery arrangements has many benefits. By planning ahead, you’re able to ensure that your wishes are fulfilled and affairs in order without placing the burden of decision-making and financial payment upon grieving loved ones. There is also an economic advantage as prices are locked in at the time arrangements are made. We offer several payment options and no annual maintenance charges will be assessed.

Furthermore, a portion of your cost is permanently endowed in a state-entrusted fund to be used for the perpetual management and care of Heartwood Preserve as a natural cemetery. A Pre-Need arrangement at Heartwood Preserve is truly a gift of love and caring – for your surviving loved ones and for the Earth. Click here for our Prices.

Arrangements Made at the Time of Death (At Need)

When a death occurs without cemetery arrangements in place, the burden for family members and loved ones can often be overwhelming. In many cases, the subject of death was never discussed beforehand, which makes decisions more difficult and emotional at the time of need. Our experienced and compassionate staff can talk you through what you will need to do and the decisions that must be made.

If you have an immediate need for burial services due to a death and are interested in Heartwood Preserve, please contact us at (727) 376-5111 or call a licensed funeral director and tell them you wish to use Heartwood Preserve. A licensed funeral director at a reputable funeral home can take care of your immediate needs in the event of a death. We can provide you with a list of funeral homes who are familiar with natural burial and with our cemetery if you would like. Click here for our Prices.

Keep in mind that cemeteries, like funeral homes, require payment in full prior to the burial. This is a standard practice.

Please do not hesitate to call us with any questions.

 

Do I need a Funeral Home too?

Heartwood Preserve is a cemetery only. We are not a funeral home or a crematory and do not provide their services.  Please contact a local Licensed Funeral Home or Funeral Director of your choice, for funeral needs and for transport to Heartwood.  Let them know you want a ‘green’ or natural burial at Heartwood Preserve. We will coordinate with them at the time of death as needed. *Funeral Home costs can usually be pre-planned as well.

Even without embalming, there are a number of helpful services a Funeral Home can provide for a natural burial:

  • Transfer of deceased to funeral home
  • Sanitary refrigeration and sanitary care of deceased (bathing, etc.)
  • Dressing/shrouding/casketing
  • Transfer of deceased to Heartwood Preserve
  • Private viewing for family
  • Filing Death Certificate, notifying Social Security, VA, etc.
  • All required paperwork
  • Assistance with obituary
  • Funeral and memorializing options.

Some families choose to forego the use of a Funeral Home partially or altogether, by having a Home Funeral. If this interests you, contact the National Home Funeral Alliance (NHFA) for information on what is required.

web3