In the late 1980's Branchville embarked on a beautification program that greatly enhanced its downtown commercial area. Included were such improvements as Belgium block curbing, new more pedestrian friendly sidewalks, benches, planters and shade trees. Prior to the late 1980's, Branchville's urban tree inventory had been in a state of marked decline. Disease, lack of maintenance, old age, storm damage and a total lack of replenishment had taken its toll. Tree removals left many parts of the borough barren of street trees. In 1987 a group of volunteers approached the Branchville Borough Council with the idea of creating a formal Shade Tree Program for Branchville that included an ordinance to protect trees, a maintenance plan and a plan to replenish the diminished tree inventory along its streets.

Tom Meyer, Susan Stark and Katieanne Harrison were appointed by the council as the first Shade Tree Commission and the first formal Arbor Day Program was set for April 30th, 1988. 20 trees were planted primarily in the business district by a team of many volunteer residents, government officials and the town road department crew. Over the next twelve years Branchville would have yearly Arbor Days which were well supported by the residents and businesses alike. Thousands of dollars of contributions were received and thousands of hours of volunteer help to plant, prune, and maintain trees resulted in a successful program.

The County of Sussex also contributed to the program by providing free tree removals, pruning maintenance and replacement trees for the part of the Branchville street system that was under County jurisdiction. State Green Communities Grants provided money for planting, removal and pruning. Over the twelve year period more than 250 shade trees consisting of 45 varieties were planted along the Branchville right-of-ways and in Branchville's parks.

For its efforts the Borough of Branchville was recognized by the New Jersey State Forestry Department and the National Arbor Day Foundation as a "TREE CITY USA" for the past 10 consecutive years. Signs proudly proclaiming this award stand at the four major entrances to town. The only The only municipality in Sussex County to be so recognized, Branchville has met the stringent requirements of the TREE CITY USA Program by allocating a per-capita funding level to the care and maintenance of its shade trees, by enacting a Shade Tree Ordinance, and proclaiming an annual formal Arbor Day Program. At present the program has caught up with past deficiencies and is maintaining Branchville's tree inventory at or near the 100% level. The members of the Shade Tree Commission plan to continue this effort well into the next century.