Help us keep Countryside a sacred, safe, peaceful and wholly natural place for all to enjoy. Please read our guidelines thoroughly and thoughtfully and let us know if you have further questions.
Park Guidelines
The Burial Site
In accordance with Green Burial standards, all burials occur at a depth of approximately 3 to 3½ feet. This depth ensures that the nutrients, microbes, and oxygen can expedite the decomposition process and that odors remain undetectable to human or animal noses (with the exception of bears, which are not an issue in Texas). Once the grave is filled, the mound of earth above the grave settles naturally over time.
Participation by Family AKA “Family Directed Funerals”
At Countryside, we celebrate and encourage unique burials that reflect your Loved One’s life. Families are welcome to participate in the burial in any way they choose. This may include lowering your Loved One, and/or the partial or complete filling of the grave. We’re happy to help you ensure the exact burial you envision, whether it be simple or elaborate. We’re here to help in anyway you may need.
Green Burial Ground Guidelines
Honor the beauty and integrity of the natural surroundings please respect the following guidelines:
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Embalming
No embalming or toxic chemicals are allowed at Countryside.
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Green Burial
Everything placed in the ground at Countryside Memorial Park must be of nontoxic, biodegradable materials that will return naturally to the earth.
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Floral Displays and Decorations
Countryside welcomes fresh cut flowers and greenery only. When bringing fresh cut flowers, please remember that non-biodegradable materials, such as plastic wrap, rubber bands or wired ribbons cannot be used or left at Countryside. No glass or artificial plants/flowers please. Statues, potted plants, toys, artwork, ornaments, resin or poly resin items, chairs, or similar articles may be brought for special occasions, but must be removed upon leaving cemetery. Cemetery staff reserves the right to remove anything outside of our specific guidelines left by families. Countryside cannot be held responsible for any items left on graves.
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Markers/Monuments/Statues
Countryside offers beautifully engraved natural stone markers. All graves and urn plots must have a marker. Grave markers for at-need and pre-need must order a marker when purchasing the plot. Grave markers by outside providers must meet Countryside’s specifications and standards, with the design submitted and approved by us prior to production. No burial can occur without a marker being purchased. Countryside allows only biodegradable items that will quickly return to earth. No concrete, upright monuments, ornaments, memorials, or adornments shall be placed upon the grave, nearby tree or at any other place within the park without the written consent of Countryside. This includes resin decor, paper, ceramic, glass or metal items, confetti, streamers, balloons, etc. Please note that upright monuments, statues and cemented markers are no longer permitted.
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Planting a Tree on the Gravesite
The planting of anything other than flowers on your Loved One’s grave is not permitted. While we don’t allow the planting of a new tree at Countryside, we offer the option to be buried next to one of our beautiful young Live Oak or Crepe Myrtle trees.
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Burial Shrouds and Containers
Countryside welcomes biodegradable, nontoxic burial shrouds
and fabrics, urns, caskets and burial trays. All burial shrouds must be made of natural plant or animal fibers, and all caskets must be constructed from wood, grasses, reeds, bamboo, or other natural materials. No metal, synthetic linings, formaldehyde glues, etc., are permitted. Outer burial containers, such as concrete liners, metal vaults, partitions, and slabs, are prohibited. To view our selection of natural containers, please visit https://www.passagesinternational.com/all-products-retail . We stock many of their containers, and can also order your selection for you if we do not have it in stock. For burial shrouds, please visit https://kinkaraco.com/collections/all . If we do not stock your preference, we can order for you.
Suggested Attire and Things to Keep in Mind for the Best Experience at Countryside
Closed toe shoes are highly recommended. Long flowing dresses or pants are not
recommended due to the possibility of stickers. We do not have a restroom on the cemetery property, but there is a public restroom available at a nearby HEB if needed. We recommend bringing water and refreshments for your party, especially in the summer months.
Absolutely no drugs, alcohol or smoking is allowed in the cemetery.
If you see cows or other animals on the property around the cemetery, do not interact with them for your own safety. Our guests are welcome in the fenced- in cemetery area and parking area only, however the property surrounding the cemetery is private.
Our Blog
Understanding Green, Natural Burial
Understanding Green, Natural Burial
What are My Options for Eco-Friendly Burials at Countryside Memorial Park
What are My Options for Eco-Friendly Burials at Countryside Memorial Park
Natural, Green Burial in Texas: Is it Legal?
Natural, Green Burial in Texas: Is it Legal?
Natural, Green Burial in Texas: Is it Available?
Chrysta Bell Zucht is an internationally known Actor, Musician and the Steward of Countryside Memorial Park. She has always shared her father’s passion for Natural Burials, and upon his unexpected death in 2009 had the soul-satisfying experience of giving him the green burial he had always wanted. She remains deeply dedicated to Countryside and has vowed to continue to offer it as a serene, peaceful place for eco-conscious families to bury, memorialize and celebrate their Beloveds.
Music adds a memorable and deeply moving element to any ceremony, especially if it is music that your Loved One loved.