As homeowners, we often appreciate the beauty, shade, and energy savings trees provide, but they can also be a source of frustration when maintaining our gutters. Trees shed leaves, twigs, and other debris that can easily clog gutters, leading to water damage and costly repairs. At Clear Cut Gutters, "The Gutter Brothers" are here to help you identify the most problematic tree species and offer a solution to keep your gutters flowing freely.
1. Gum Trees (Eucalyptus)
Gum trees are notorious for shedding leaves, bark, twigs, and gumnuts throughout the year, making them a top contender for clogging gutters. Their constant debris can overwhelm even the most diligent cleaning routine1.
2. Pine Trees
Pine trees shed needles year-round, which can easily slip through many gutter guards. Their small size allows them to accumulate quickly, forming dense clogs that are difficult to remove.
3. Oak Trees
Oak trees shed large leaves and acorns, which can severely block gutters and downspouts. The combination of these items can lead to significant water overflow if not addressed promptly.
4. Maple Trees
Maple trees produce small leaves and helicopter seeds that can quickly fill gutters. These seeds are notorious for becoming compacted and difficult to remove.
5. Locust Trees
Residents of Joplin, MO, and the Four States will be familiar with the long pods dropped by honey locust and black locust trees. These extremely common Ozarks tree seed pods can create durable obstructions in your downspouts that allow other debris to lodge and clog your gutter almost completely.
The Solution: Leaf Guards
Leaf guards are an excellent solution for homes surrounded by these tree species and others. They prevent debris from entering the gutters, reducing the risk of clogs and overflows. Leaf guards not only save time and effort in cleaning but also protect your home from potential water damage.
At Clear Cut Gutters, we recommend installing high-quality leaf guards to ensure your gutters remain clear and functional. Whether you're dealing with pine needles or oak leaves, there's a gutter guard designed to handle the specific challenges of your tree-lined neighborhood.