Published on February 24, 2026
By Danica Dodson, Arlington Parks, Recreation & Culture
The City of Arlington has much to celebrate this year, including its 150th anniversary and the lasting benefits of hosting the largest sporting events in the world, FIFA World Cup 2026™. To commemorate these historic milestones, the Arlington Parks, Recreation & Culture Department has set a goal of planting and distributing a total of 1,800 trees, or an average of 150 per month, in honor of the City’s sesquicentennial celebration.
These native and adapted tree species will be planted across the 99-square-mile city during optimal seasons to ensure their long-term health and survival. This ambitious initiative will unfold through a mix of community tree giveaways, new plantings in parks and public spaces, and strategic replacement trees in parks, medians, and other public spaces across the city.
Tree plantings kicked off earlier this year in street medians, followed by the planting of 17 trees at J.W. Dunlop Park in North Arlington on Tuesday, Feb. 24. The public park, located at 1500 NW Green Oaks Blvd., saw new Texas Redbud, Desert Willow, Brodie Juniper and Sweetgum trees added.
Arlington’s green initiative will continue with a special tree planting event from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 27, 2026, near the new Heartfullness sculpture at Dr. Robert Cluck Linear Park, 1600 E. Randol Mill Road. This event will be hosted in collaboration with partners from FIFA and the North Texas FWC Organizing Committee.
On Nov. 6, 2026, the City will cap off this milestone year with a Sesquicentennial Tree Planting event in Downtown in celebration of Texas Arbor Day. This event includes plans for a Legacy Tree to take root in Founders Plaza, near Levitt Pavilion Arlington.
Information about upcoming tree planting events, community giveaways, and volunteer opportunities will be posted on www.arlingtontx.gov and shared on the City’s social media channels. Join us in growing forward and celebrating Arlington’s green legacy!
Visit Arlington150.com for more historical articles, photos and events planned throughout 2026.
Photo caption: Workers planting Texas Redbud, Desert Willow, Brodie Juniper and Sweetgum trees at J.W. Dunlop Park in North Arlington on Tuesday, Feb. 24.