Arlington celebrates 150th birthday with citywide tree planting

The city expects the yearlong project will transform the 99-square-mile city.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:50pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeated pattern of a single iconic tree species in shades of neon green, pink, and blue, conceptually representing Arlington's citywide tree planting project.Arlington's ambitious tree planting initiative will transform the city's urban landscape with vibrant, sustainable greenery to mark its 150th birthday.Arlington Today

To celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2026, the city of Arlington, Texas is planting 1,800 new trees across the city over the course of a year, an average of 150 per month. The tree plantings include a mix of community giveaways, new plantings in parks and public spaces, and strategic replacements in medians and other areas. The initiative aims to clean the air, provide cooling shade, support local wildlife, and create vibrant public spaces.

Why it matters

Tree planting is a meaningful long-term investment that can transform a community by improving air quality, providing shade, supporting local ecosystems, and creating welcoming public spaces. Arlington's 150th anniversary tree planting initiative demonstrates the city's commitment to sustainability and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The details

The tree planting initiative includes a mix of native and adapted tree species such as Texas redbud, desert willow, brodie juniper and sweetgum. Plantings have already begun in street medians, at J.W. Dunlop Park, and near a new sculpture in the Entertainment District. A special Sesquicentennial tree planting event is planned for November 6th in downtown Arlington to coincide with Texas Arbor Day, including the planting of a legacy tree in Founders Plaza.

  • The tree planting initiative began earlier this year.
  • Plantings have taken place in street medians and at J.W. Dunlop Park and the Entertainment District.
  • A Sesquicentennial tree planting event is scheduled for November 6, 2026 in downtown Arlington.

The players

Susan Schrock

From the city of Arlington Office of Communication.

Arlington Parks, Recreation & Culture Department

Developing a fall planting plan to share with the community.

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What they’re saying

“Planting trees is one of the most meaningful long‑term investments a community can make. Trees clean the air, provide cooling shade, support local wildlife, and create vibrant, welcoming public spaces.”

— Susan Schrock, From the city of Arlington Office of Communication

“For the planting around the new Heartfulness sculpture in the Entertainment District, we selected native and adapted tree species that naturally grow to shorter mature heights. This ensures they won't block the iconic sight lines to AT&T Stadium while still enhancing the landscape with shade, color and long‑term sustainability.”

— Susan Schrock, From the city of Arlington Office of Communication

What’s next

The Arlington Parks, Recreation & Culture Department is developing a fall planting plan that they will share with the community once it's finalized.

The takeaway

Arlington's 150th anniversary tree planting initiative demonstrates the city's commitment to sustainability and enhancing the quality of life for residents through strategic investments in the local urban forest. The project will transform the city's public spaces and provide long-term environmental and community benefits.