Rodney Dangerfield often complained about how hard it was for him to get some respect – and just as that may have been true for the comedian and actor when he was an older man, old trees in the City of High Point may be feeling the same.

Some old trees in downtown High Point are about to be replaced by younger, sexier models.

Starting, on Tuesday, Nov. 8 the City of High Point is removing fourteen trees on both sides of North Main Street between the railroad tracks and English Road, and, in their place, the city will be planting a variety of new trees just like a jaded husband casting aside his longtime wife for the more sparkly lively woman who finally makes him feel alive again.

The new trees will be planted in early December.

There will be some traffic flow ramifications from the project. One lane of traffic and sidewalks on one side of the street at a time will be closed from roughly 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. while the trees are being removed.

According to city officials, the old trees have seen better days and it’s time for them to be put out to pasture.

Most of the trees being removed are maple trees that have been dying due to an insect known as the “Gloomy Scale.” That insect with the disturbing name most commonly damages maples in urban settings – such as these 14 trees, which are where paved surfaces increase the temperature and thus make the trees more vulnerable to infestation.

Andy Piper, a senior planner with the City of High Point Planning and Development Department, and chair of the City’s Urban Forestry Committee, said these old trees have had a good life but now it’s time for them to go.

“These trees have been in their planting spaces for about 25 years, which is a good, long life given their location, but it is time for them to make way for a new generation of trees,” Piper said.

Also, a Bradford pear tree that suffered damage during Hurricane Ian storms will be on the city’s chopping block.

The city had absolutely nothing good to say about Bradford pear trees.

According to High Point officials, “This tree species is notoriously weak-limbed and considered invasive, providing additional reasons to remove it.”

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