The aim of this research was to quantify the capacity of different shrub species to remove atmospheric CO₂, to adsorb particulate matter and to dissipate latent heat through transpiration. A total of 308 established plants comprising Deutzia scabra, Elaeagnus × ebbingei, Euonymus japonicus, Forsythia × intermedia, Laurus nobilis, Ligustrum vulgare, Pittosporum tobira, Prunus laurocerasus and Viburnum tinus were selected in Lugano (Switzerland) and Bolzano (Italy). Stem diameter, crown radius, Leaf Area Index, net CO₂ assimilation per unit leaf area (A_leaf), transpiration, and stomatal conductance (g_s) were measured during spring, summer, and fall. The net CO₂ assimilation per unit of crown projection area and per plant were calculated by upscaling A_leaf using a multilayer model. Latent heat dissipation was calculated using the Penman–Monteith equation. The amount of PM trapped on leaves was measured using a gravimetric method. Differences in leaf area and leaf gas exchange among species affected their capacity to deliver specific ecosystem services. Forsythia, Pittosporum, Elaeagnus and Deutzia removed about 40% more CO₂ per unit crown projection area than Laurus, Ligustrum, and Euonymus. Latent heat dissipation by shrubs was, on average, 130 W m⁻², which is comparable to that of tree species. PM removal per unit leaf area was higher in species with sparse canopies and rough leaf surfaces.