Leaves and needles that clog local gutters
A wide variety of trees thrives across the region, though the specific mix differs across Massachusetts. Broadleaf species such as sugar maple, red maple, American beech, white birch, and northern red oak shed massive volumes of debris every year. Northern red oak trees shed heavy acorns that tumble down the roof and clog downspouts, while maple trees drop winged seeds in spring. Northern red oak and sugar maple leave a heavy carpet of fallen leaves in fall that blankets roof surfaces and chokes drainage channels. Conifers including eastern white pine and eastern hemlock drop slender pine needles year-round. These fine needles slip through basic covers, mat down with moisture, and pack firmly into downspouts.