More Philadelphia families are asking for a simpler, more natural goodbye. At Pennsylvania Burial Company – Baldi Funeral Home, we arrange green burials at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, now called Laurel Hill West, in Bala Cynwyd. If you are looking for a funeral home that knows how green burial works at West Laurel Hill, this guide explains what to expect and how we help.
What is green burial?
Green burial, also called natural burial, lets the body return to the earth simply and naturally. It usually means:
- No conventional embalming
- A biodegradable shroud or a casket of untreated wood, wicker, or bamboo
- No concrete vault or grave liner
- A natural setting cared for without chemicals
It is how families buried their loved ones for centuries, and it fits well with personal values, faith traditions, and a wish to keep things meaningful and uncomplicated.
About West Laurel Hill
West Laurel Hill was founded in 1869 as the sister cemetery to Laurel Hill in East Falls. Its 187 acres in Bala Cynwyd, just across City Avenue from Philadelphia, are a historic cemetery and a registered arboretum. Today the two cemeteries operate together as Laurel Hill, with West Laurel Hill known as Laurel Hill West.
West Laurel Hill was one of the first cemeteries in our region to set aside land for green burial, and it remains one of the most respected green burial options near Philadelphia.
The green burial sections
Laurel Hill offers three green burial areas, all certified by the Green Burial Council. Two are at West Laurel Hill:
- Nature's Sanctuary, the original green burial area, is an award-winning native meadow. Graves are dug by hand, and no gas-powered equipment is used to care for the land.
- Bala Green, the newest section, is a half-acre memorial meadow of native plants with walking paths and benches overlooking the Manayunk hills.
A third area, Valley View Green, is at Laurel Hill East in Philadelphia for families who prefer the city campus.
No vault required
Laurel Hill normally requires an outer burial container for burials. In its green burial sections, it does not. Everything placed in the grave must be biodegradable, from the shroud or casket to the clothing.
How Pennsylvania Burial Company – Baldi Funeral Home helps
West Laurel Hill has its own rules for containers, markers, scheduling, and ceremonies. Our job is to handle those details so your family can focus on saying goodbye. We:
- Talk with you about your wishes and which green section fits them best
- Coordinate directly with West Laurel Hill on the burial location, timing, and requirements
- Help you choose a shroud or biodegradable casket that meets the cemetery's standards
- Care for your loved one without conventional embalming and arrange a timely burial
- Plan a graveside service, a gathering at our chapel, or both
- Handle the death certificate, burial permit, and other paperwork
Green burial usually happens sooner than a traditional burial, so it helps to call us early, even if you are still deciding.
Planning ahead
Green burial space at West Laurel Hill is limited. Pre-planning lets you choose a section now and write down your wishes so your family does not have to guess later.
Considering a Quaker burial ground closer to West Philadelphia? Read our guide to green burial at Friends Southwestern Burial Ground in Upper Darby.
Talk with us
Pennsylvania Burial Company – Baldi Funeral Home serves families across South Philadelphia, Center City, and the Tri-State area. Call us or stop by to talk about green burial at West Laurel Hill. We will answer your questions plainly and with care, with no pressure.
Pennsylvania Burial Company / Baldi Funeral Home
1327–31 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Pennsylvania Burial Company: (215) 334-1717
Baldi Funeral Home: (215) 389-2414
www.pennsylvaniaburialcompany.com
Tradition • Compassion • Dignity • Trust
Frequently asked questions
Which funeral home handles green burials at West Laurel Hill?
Pennsylvania Burial Company – Baldi Funeral Home arranges green burials at West Laurel Hill (Laurel Hill West) in Bala Cynwyd, including Nature's Sanctuary and Bala Green. Call (215) 334-1717 or (215) 389-2414.
Is West Laurel Hill the same as Laurel Hill West?
Yes. West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd now operates under the name Laurel Hill West.
Do I need a vault for a green burial at West Laurel Hill?
No. Laurel Hill does not require an outer burial container in its green burial sections.
What can be buried in the green sections?
Only biodegradable materials, such as a natural-fiber shroud or a casket of untreated wood, wicker, or bamboo.
Can we still have a service with a green burial?
Yes. Many families choose a graveside service, and some also hold a gathering at our chapel first. We will explain what timing works without embalming.
Can I pre-plan a green burial at West Laurel Hill?
Yes. Green burial space is limited, so pre-planning lets you secure a section and record your wishes now.
