Gibbons Sidewalks and Trees Plan

What's happening on Gibbons Drive?

The City of Alameda will start a process of assessing the Liquidambar, or Sweetgum, trees that line Gibbons Drive. These iconic trees are an important part of our community's character and urban forest, and we appreciate the value they bring to the neighborhood.

Toward the end of July 2025, the City's consultant, Hortscience, will visually assess the health and structural condition of the Liquidambar trees. You may see assessors in orange vests measuring and tagging the trees for future reference. This evaluation will help us understand what trees are thriving, what trees are in decline, and how each tree's root system impacts the surrounding infrastructure. 

During the evaluation, there will be no road closures or blocked driveways.

Why these trees?

This is a complex issue that the City has been monitoring for some time, and we are now taking the first step toward developing comprehensive and thoughtful solutions that include community input and public process. Some of the roots of the trees along Gibbons Drive have caused extensive damage to adjacent sidewalks, which creates safety and accessibility issues. Pedestrians and people who use mobility devices (strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.) may experience difficulty navigating the path of travel. 

The ultimate objective is to develop a plan that balances public safety, infrastructure needs, and the preservation of Alameda’s beloved urban tree canopy.

What's next?

No decisions have been made at this time about tree removals or sidewalk reconstruction. The evaluation by Hortscience will provide important information as a first step in developing solutions. There will be an initial public meeting in the fall to present the assessment's findings and hear your ideas and feedback. 

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A sidewalk on Gibbons Drive that is uneven because of tree roots.

Extensive tree roots have broken the curb and caused ponding in the street.