Abstract: This paper summarizes the results of tree species screening tests of ecological public welfare forest in South China in the past 20 years and the survey of dominant tree species of natural secondary forest community. A total of 122 broad-leaved tree species that adapt to Shenzhen climate and have better afforestation effect after multiple afforestation tests are selected as the candidate tree species pool for afforestation of ecological public welfare forest in Shenzhen. Combined with the analysis of ecological functions and landscape characteristics of these tree species, it provides suggestion for tree species selection in the renovation and upgrading project of Shenzhen water source protection forest.