Abstract: We utilized a multi factor comprehensive evaluation system to select fine coastal protective tree species among a total of 29 tree species, the system focus on growth adaptability, ecological function, landscape effects and economic value to evaluate wheather the tree is appropriate for coastal protection in Shanghai city. Four categories were created after evaluation, among the 29 tree species, 3 were excellent, 3 were good, 6 were common, 17 were inappropriate. Thus those species which had a common and better performance such as Melia azedarach were recommend as the appropriate species for coastal protection in Shanghai city.