Residents of Parque São Domingos in Pirituba, São Paulo, were taken aback by a drastic pruning service conducted over three days on the greenery in a local square on Rua Rumi de Ranieri. This operation was carried out by Apeng, a private company contracted by the local sub-prefecture, leading to the near-total removal of plants that had taken years to grow. Witnesses, including attorney Célia Regina Martins, stated that what started as a job to trim branches ended with significant damage to the overall vegetation, leaving many residents disheartened.

When reporters from TV Globo visited the site a few days later, they observed that the areas once filled with vibrant plant life had been reduced to low-lying, ankle-high ground cover, with several stumps indicating that some trees had been mature before the pruning. This substantial alteration not only impacts the aesthetic value of the square but also raises concerns about environmental effects and the loss of green space in the urban area. The community's feedback has emphasized a need for more communication and consideration from city officials regarding such activities.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions between urban development and community perspectives on greenery conservation. Major urban areas like São Paulo often grapple with balancing infrastructure needs with the preservation of green spaces, which provide environmental benefits and enhance the quality of life for residents. As more citizens document such changes, it may prompt officials to reconsider their methods or policies related to vegetation management in public spaces.