Letter to Residents of Gibbons Drive

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February 2026

Subject: Gibbons Drive Sweetgum Tree Assessment – Results and Next Steps

Dear Residents and Property Owners,

Last summer, the City of Alameda (City) shared information about an upcoming assessment of the sweetgum (Liquidambar) trees along Gibbons Drive. We are writing to let you know that the tree assessment is complete and to share an overview of the findings, along with next steps.

The City’s consulting arborist assessed 117 sweetgum trees along Gibbons Drive. Overall, the assessment found that the majority of the trees are in good condition and have benefited from regular maintenance over many years. At the same time, the report confirmed what many residents experience daily: these large, mature trees have outgrown the limited planting space available and are causing significant and ongoing damage to sidewalks, curbs, and other public infrastructure, creating safety and accessibility concerns.

As part of the assessment, five trees were identified as being in poor condition due to extensive structural decay and declining stability. These trees cannot be remedied through pruning or other treatments and are recommended for removal to address safety concerns. Each sweetgum tree assessed has a metal tag with a unique identification number that corresponds to the assessment report. The trees recommended for removal are noted below along with the closest nearby address:

  • Tree 1538 at 2927 Gibbons Drive
  • Tree 1547 at 1511 Gibbons Drive
  • Tree 1564 at 3120 Gibbons Drive
  • Tree 1571 at 3026 Gibbons Drive
  • Tree 1582 at 2970 Gibbons Drive

The City will proceed with the removal of these five identified trees.  Residents adjacent to this work will receive additional notice in advance of any on-site activity. 

The assessment also recommends that the City continue its established two-year pruning cycle for the remaining sweetgum trees. We will proceed with the trimming work scheduled for this year over the coming months. We will coordinate with the Fernside Homeowner’s Association and place door hangers at properties along the corridor.

Looking ahead, the assessment is an important first step toward developing a longer-term, comprehensive plan for managing trees and addressing sidewalk conditions along Gibbons Drive. Community input will be essential in shaping future decisions, including how best to balance tree preservation, public safety, accessibility, and infrastructure needs.

To begin that conversation, the City will host two meetings, one in-person and one virtual webinar.(Updated March 4,2026: The meeting dates below have passed.)

In-Person Community Meeting:
Date: March 2, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Multi-Purpose Room at Edison Elementary, 2700 Buena Vista Ave, Alameda

Virtual Community Meeting:
Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 12 PM
Register / Join the Zoom Webinar

At these meetings, City staff and the City’s consulting arborist will review the assessment findings in more detail, discuss potential approaches for future tree management and sidewalk improvements, and listen to your questions, ideas, and priorities.

The City’s webpage alamedaca.gov/gibbons has information including the full Gibbons Tree Assessment Report, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), and more.

We appreciate the community’s patience and engagement as we work through this complex issue. These trees are an important part of Gibbons Drive, and our goal is to move forward thoughtfully and transparently.

For updates, please visit alamedaca.gov/gibbons, where you can also subscribe for email notifications. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact me at 510-747-7938 or esmith@alamedaca.gov.

Thank you for your continued involvement and care for Alameda’s urban forest.

Sincerely,

Erin Smith
Public Works Director
City of Alameda

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