Enhancing the ecosystem service capacity of urban forests in livable cities is a key task in post-urbanisation urban forest development. The quality formation mechanisms of urban forests serve as a foundation for developing management technologies, while corresponding techniques are crucial for precise quality enhancement. In this context, our study reviewed literature related to urban forest construction and management from the CNKI database, summarizing the current status and issues to support future research and technological innovations. The findings showed that theoretical research in urban forest construction and management in China was well-developed, especially in the quality formation mechanisms of suburban landscape and recreational forests, which laid the foundation for further innovation in key urban forest construction and management technologies. Key factors in tree species selection and urban forest construction included native species, biodiversity, ornamental trait diversity, and environmental compatibility. Moreover, the core goals of urban forest quality improvement were to enhance ecosystem services, reduce maintenance costs, and create near-natural or semi-natural landscapes. However, current urban forest technologies in China were fragmented, lacking integrated and forward-looking solutions, which hindered precise quality enhancement. Future research should integrate aesthetic quality with ecosystem services, focus on dominant functions, and promote multifunctional urban forests. Based on integrated key technologies for ecosystem services, it is essential to optimize the construction and management models at each stage, enhancing the alignment between technological support and practical application. Additionally, it is crucial to consider the impact of climate change, strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation, and promote the integration of technology and policy. This will ensure urban forests provide ecological functions and meet the demand for high-quality landscapes, fostering a harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.