<p>Urbanization, a rapid and powerful component of anthropogenic global change, substantially impacts all levels of biological organization, from individuals to ecosystems. Among regulatory ecosystem services, litter decomposition plays a critical role in soil nutrient supply and the maintenance of properly functioning soil. Urbanization generally negatively affects biodiversity, environmental and habitat characteristics, all of which significantly influence decomposition processes. However, relatively few studies, some with methodological limitations, have assessed the impact of urbanization on the decomposition. To address this gap, we conducted a standardized two-year study to investigate the decomposition of rooibos teabag-litters incubated for 3, 6, 9, and 12 months in soils of forested habitats with similar forest associations, soil types, and histories but with different urbanization level. Decomposition in both the rural and urban habitats was more intense in the first year, characterized by warmer-than-average temperatures and average precipitation, than in the second one year, with average temperatures and below-average precipitation. Decomposition was significantly faster in urban forest patches (average 42% mass loss) than in rural forest stands (average 36% mass loss) after 6 months of incubation in both years. This difference is likely attributed to higher soil temperature in urban habitats, which stimulates microbial and enzymatic activity. Faster decomposition in urban habitats can lead to profound effects on ecosystem structure, functions, services, and biodiversity, and even can release stored carbon back into the atmosphere, contributing to global climate change. Therefore, a comprehensive urban habitat management is needed to mitigate these negative effects.</p>