Since 2009, Branford has been designated a "Tree City USA" by the National Arbor Day Foundation. To celebrate Arbor Day 2018, an American Linden tree was planted on the grounds of the town's newest park, Branford Hills Park (site of the former Branford Hills School).

The American native tree is a pollinator tree for insects, including bees and moths, said Town Tree Warden Diana Ross. The tree can grow into a notable specimen of up to 60 to 80 feet tall.  Through the years, Ross has helped win several "America the Beautiful" funding grants allowing the town to plant multiple trees around Branford. Last spring, 39 trees were installed around town.

Each year, the town plants a tree on town property to celebrate Arbor Day. Last year, an American Sugar Maple was planted at Sliney Elementary School. The American Linden tree was planted with assistance from Branford Public Works during a brief ceremony attended by First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove, Branford Parks and Recreation Director Alex Palluzzi, Branford Community Forest Commission members Shirley McCarthy and Nancy Mancini (CFC co-chair).

Mancini read from an Arbor Day/Tree City USA proclamation issued by Governer Dannel P. Malloy, stating, in part, "...the Tree City USA designation is the result of the dedication and hard work of each communities' Tree Warden, Elected Officials, Administrators and Urban Forestry staff, along with the committement and efforts of numerous volunteers – these volunteers are instrumental to any community becoming a Tree City USA."