Expect more greenery throughout Arlington’s natural and urban spaces as officials celebrate the city’s 150th anniversary.
As part of the city’s sesquicentennial celebration, the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department will plant an average of 150 trees a month.
The goal? Plant between 1,800 to 2,000 trees by the end of the year, said parks assistant director Michael Debrecht.
“Each year we have different goals. This year, we thought it would be special since our city is 150,” Debrecht said.
Trees will be planted in parks where more plant life is needed, such as Veterans Park and J.W. Dunlop Sports Center, he said. Residents will also find more trees being planted in more urban spaces, such as along roadways.
“We try to beautify those (areas) with trees,” Debrecht said. “We also have targeted areas and parks where we have lost (trees) because of severe droughts or things of that nature.”
For the most part, tree planting will take place at various locations across the city in response to extreme winter weather in previous years.
The tree planting is funded through a mix of public dollars, including sponsored events and the parks department’s $24 million budget.
About $1.7 million of the parks’ 2026 budget will go toward forestry and beautification, which involves tree planting.
Species will include any native trees. Some species named in Arlington’s approved plant list include cedar elm, Texas red oak, black hickory, viburnum, Ashe juniper, pecan and southern magnolia.
Tree planting is estimated to begin anywhere between February and March and will be done during events throughout the year, including tree giveaways and an anniversary celebration scheduled for November at Levitt Pavilion concluding the initiative.
While the tree planting goal is special to Arlington’s 150th anniversary, parks staff prioritize beautifying the city every year with more tree canopy, Debrecht added.
“We want to reforest our community,” he said. “It’s not just a one-time effort.”
Details on tree planting events can be found on the Arlington parks department’s website and social media channels as they are posted.
Nicole Lopez is the environment reporter for the Fort Worth Report. Contact her at nicole.lopez@fortworthreport.org.
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