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This study was performed to test the hypothesis that tree species significantly affects mercury (Hg) sequestration in forest soils. We analyzed the effect of seven dominant tree species (Scots pine, black alder, Norway spruce, silver birch, deciduous oak, silver fir, and European beech on the concentrations and pools of Hg in a range of forest soils in Poland. We set up 277 sample plots representing dominant tree species in Poland. Soil samples were taken and analyzed for total Hg content, soil texture, and soil C and nitrogen (N) content. Concentrations of total Hg in forest soil (organic and mineral horizons) varied by several orders of magnitude as a result of natural variations in organic matter, sand content, and altitude. Spatial analysis revealed that maximum concentrations (mg kg⁻¹) and stocks (mg m⁻²) of Hg were related to mountain stands at higher elevations with loamy soils and greater accumulation of soil …