When International Falls gutters fill up
Tree species common in the region drop debris into drainage systems throughout the year. Cottonwood fluff drifting in late spring easily forms dense mats inside each gutter, while ash seeds and airborne dust clog downspouts. Broadleaf bur oak, silver maple, green ash, hackberry, eastern red cedar, and ponderosa pine grow across this region. Leaf drop usually peaks in late September, filling channels right before freezing weather arrives. Freezing nights in International Falls cause trapped water to turn into solid ice, creating ice dams in gutters that force moisture under roof shingles. We recommend gutter cleaning at least twice a year, during spring and fall, to keep water moving freely before winter freezes occur.