When Highland Park gutters fill up
Trees common in the region drop dense debris into gutter channels throughout the year. Broadleaf sugar maple, red maple, bur oak, hickory, and American elm drop leaves, seed wings, and acorns, while conifers like white pine and spruce shed fine needles. Leaf drop usually peaks in early October, filling trough sections right before cold weather arrives. Freezing nights, heavy snow, and winter ice create ice dams in gutters when trapped water freezes solid, lifting roof shingles and cracking seam joints. We recommend cleaning at least twice a year, spring and fall, to keep seasonal debris moving and prevent frozen blockages from winter snow accumulation.