Southlake gears up for 70th anniversary by planting 2,026 trees in 2026

When what is now Southlake incorporated in 1956 — out of fear of possibly being annexed by Hurst — there was no Town Square. Or Central Market. And Southlake Carroll’s first state championship in football didn’t come until 26 years later, in 1982. Texas 114 was a two-lane road bordered by hog farms, grocery stores and other local businesses. Population: About 200.

Things have changed a bit since then and in September Southlake will celebrate its 70th anniversary since incorporation. Commemorating the milestone will include the planting 2,026 trees across the city in 2026.

Southlake launched its anniversary branding and webpage for all things 70th anniversary at Tuesday’s city council meeting.

When it incorporated, the community measured 1.62 square miles. A. Gail Eubanks was elected mayor, and there were five aldermen and a town marshal who served the newly established town.

The city is now nearing its projected population buildout of 34,000 residents.

“What a great way to celebrate our 70th birthday and continue our history of being a tree friendly city and adds to the beautification of our great community,” Mayor Shawn McCaskill said at the meeting.

Southlakes Spring Festival will kick off the celebrations where residents will be able to take home saplings donated by Bartlett Tree Experts.

“We’re launching one signature event to anchor the year, planting 2,026 trees during 2026, the intent is to create long term visible benefit for the community that grows beyond the anniversary year,” Bora Sulollari, assistant to the city manager said at the meeting. “Tree planting also reinforces Southlake’s ongoing commitment to beautification, environmental stewardship and quality of life.”

Sulollari said the trees will be planted in different ways throughout the year, including community planting days, opportunities for elected and appointed officials, employees and planning events. The trees will also be planted as part of planned city projects.

Southlake residents will be able to take saplings to plant trees on their properties and can also volunteer at tree planting events and help distribute trees.

The city has already planned the first tree planting at Carroll Avenue and Main Street.

“Together, these efforts give Southlake a full-year of celebration, honoring where we’ve come from, while contributing to something that will grow with us,” Sulollari said. “As the anniversary unfolds, we’ll continue bringing forward new opportunities for the community to participate, celebrate and take pride in this milestone year.”