Abstract:With the development of the society and economy as well as the urbanization, city problem has been becoming the focus in the social and scientific communities. Urban forestry therewith has received a growing concern due to its function and contribution in the construction and development of cities and towns. In this paper, we start with the basic concept and contents of urban forestry in terms of its natural and social attributes, scopes and levels, and then compare the differences between urban forestry and traditional forestry, modern gardens in aspects of research fields, functions and properties, aims and levels of management. Based on the research data and results available, the role of urban forestry and its potentials in solving problems from urbanization are also demonstrated. According to the current status and existent problems, we propose the opportunities and challenges, and future trends of modem urban forestry.