Let $d_u$ be the degree of a vertex $u$ of a graph $G$. The atom-bond sum-connectivity (ABS) index of a graph $G$ is the sum of the numbers $(1-2(d_v+d_w)^{-1})^{1/2}$ over all edges $vw$ of $G$. This paper gives the characterization of the graph possessing the minimum ABS index in the class of all trees of a fixed number of pendent vertices; the star is the unique extremal graph in the mentioned class of graphs. The problem of determining graphs possessing the minimum ABS index in the class of all trees with $n$ vertices and $p$ pendent vertices is also addressed; such extremal trees have the maximum degree $3$ when $n\ge 3p-2\ge7$, and the balanced double star is the unique such extremal tree for the case $p=n-2$.