99 Escort alignment

After putting on new struts and just one tie rod, does the 99 Escort Zx2 have to be aligned by a professional?

Yes! Both the struts an tie rod will affect the alignment and it should be done. I would have a 4 wheel alignment for best results.

The front wheel alignment on the Escort is only adjustable for toe, so in theory, replacing the struts correctly would not need an alignment, because they do not influence toe. But the tie rod replacement will definitely requirement some method of alignment to correct the toe and recenter the steering wheel. What's nice about going to the laser alignment shops, they have equipment that can more easily detect problems that hopefully need nothing more than replacing worn parts.