We selected 15 common broad-leaved tree species in Wuhan and quantified particles of different sizes (TSP, PM_>10, PM₁₀, PM_2.5) per unit leaf area using a 3-layer membrane filtration method. To explore the influence of leaf surface micromorphology on dust-retention ability, the leaf surface micromorphology of the 15 tree species was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that there were significant differences in dust retention per unit leaf area among the 15 tree species (P<0.05). The plants with the strongest dust-retention ability were Platanus acerifolia, Osmanthus fragrans, and Photinia magnolia. In addition to, Ligustrum lucidum and Magnolia grandiflora had a strong ability to retain PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 on their leaves, respectively. Populus×canadensis had the weakest ability to retain TSP and PM_>10, and Magnolia denudata had the weakest ability to retain PM₁₀ and PM_2.5. The ratio of PM_2.5 and PM₁₀ mass per unit leaf area to total dust content ranged from 0.7% to 8.9% and from 3.6% to 33.9%, respectively. Micromorphological observations of the leaf surfaces showed that rough, wrinkled leaves or a waxy layer on the leaves were conducive to the attachment of dust particles. The correlation analyses indicated that the amount of dust per unit leaf area was significantly correlated with the width of the grooves on the leaf surface. The smaller the width of grooves on the upper and lower surfaces, the more favorable the retention of fine particles (PM_2.5). The larger the width of grooves on the lower surface, the more favorable the retention of total particles (TSP). Therefore, the micromorphological structure of the leaf surface (roughness, wax content, and groove width) are important factors in the dust-retention capability of greening tree species. When urban greening is carried out in Wuhan to control atmospheric dust pollution, we suggest to choose tree species with a strong dust-retention capability, such as P. acerifolia, O. fragrans, and P. magnolia.