[skocznymroczny]

In Poland, there is a trend (referred to as "betonoza") to replace city squares which had trees with concrete squares devoid of any vegetation. There are several reasons for that. Main reason seems that it's easier to get government/EU money for such 'renovation'. Second reason is that it's considered more prestigious to have a concrete square, because that's what other famous cities have.

[elric]

My city recently renovated a huge square, got rid of all the trees and shrubs and plants, and turned the whole thing into a giant concrete wasteland. The mayor was quoted as saying that "not every square needs trees" ... It's mind boggling.