02/04/2009 10 PM ET

MILLSBORO, Del. - A tree in the center of Monroe in Millsboro has its days numbered. Many in town remember the tree from their childhoods, including arborist Dan Atkinson. The tree's age isn't certain, but Atkinson estimates it could be around 100-years-old.   

"It's been there for quite a long time," Atkinson says. 

It is hard to say for sure how old the tree is because construction and concrete around the tree have curbed root growth, a normal indicator of tree age.  

"I remember the tree when I was younger driving through town," Atkinson says. "And I can remember a few times that I almost hit it."

The tree now stands in the middle of one of Millsboro's busiest streets.  Atkinson says a combination of car crashes, weather, rot, and insects, means the otherwise healthy tree could pose a safety hazard for drivers.  

The town has decided to tear it down, though they have not yet set a date. 

Atkinson says the town is planning to plant three trees to replace it. The trees will not be planted where the current one stands.  

"It's sad to see it go, that tree has been there longer than anyone viewing this program has been around and if it has to go it is a shame," says Atkinson.