When Manhattan gutters fill up
Tree species common in the region, including sugar maple, red maple, bur oak, hickory, American elm, white pine, and spruce, drop debris throughout the year. Spring drops seed wings into the channel, while fall brings heavy leaves. Leaf drop usually peaks in mid October, filling upper channels fast. Freezing nights follow shortly after, turning wet leaf clutter into solid ice blocks. These ice dams in gutters cause water to back up under shingle edges during winter thaws. To stop severe ice damage, we recommend cleaning at least twice a year, spring and fall, keeping the gutter paths entirely open before winter cold settles over Illinois.