Urban greening and forestry have become essential aspects for harbouring biodiversity heritage and as a way towards combating climate change. Human population growth bears a significant impact on the urban landscapes of both developed and developing nations, with a substantial section residing in the industrialized cities. Urban spaces are also characterized by varied industrial activities including civil works, which account for a fair amount of air pollution and degradation of ecosystems. As a consequence of this energy consumption, associated built structures and changes in the landscape of urban spaces, appropriate planning and management to reduce pollution and sustain varied ecosystem services is given priority. Urban greening in the form of plantation of trees, landscape engineering, and creation of urban green belts are considered as feasible options to reduce pollution and improve purification of the air, soil and water quality. Thus plantation of selected tree species and conservation and enhancement of green spaces are now an important constituent of sustainable cities. Trees in urban areas are significant in multiple ways including provision of the food and shelter to varied biota. Trees and other plants act efficiently towards removing various air pollutants from the ambient air, thereby contributing to combating climate change. Apart from pollution removal, urban plantation has a recreational, aesthetic, and socio-cultural impact on city dwellers. Along with the assessment of the diversity of trees in urban areas, continuous monitoring of urban spaces is required to frame and implement strategies for the urban greenery. In the present commentary, a synoptic assessment of the diversity of trees in the urban tropical areas and the modes for selection of trees for urban green spaces is presented. The information will be useful in understanding the significance of green space, green belt development, and carbon sequestration as effective strategy for environmental sustainability of the urban cities.