This study was conducted to assess the physicochemical characteristics of urban forest soil contaminated by copper and the dynamics of macro-and micronutrients uptake by Schinus terebinthifolia and Eugenia uniflora seedlings. The seedlings received 0 (control), 60, 120, 180 or 240 mg Cu kg -1 soil applied to urban forest soil within São Paulo City, Brazil. Our results showed that K was reduced in Cu-contaminated soil used for S. terebinthifolia cultivation and that organic matter was higher in Cu-contaminated soil used for E. uniflora cultivation. Other physicochemical properties of soil remained unaltered. S. terebinthifolia presented nutritional imbalances in N, K and Mg on leaves, while E. uniflora presented nutritional imbalances in K on leaves and in S on roots. It can be concluded that copper contamination can negatively affect chemical and nutritional characteristics of urban forest soil, as well as the nutritional dynamics of S. terebinthifolia and E. uniflora.