When Westmere gutters fill up
Local trees common in the region, including red maple, white oak, hickory, tulip poplar, sweetgum, and eastern white pine, constantly shed material. Oak catkins fill gutters in spring, while acorns and spiky sweetgum balls drop later. Leaf drop usually peaks in early October, filling channels right before cold weather arrives. Freezing nights and snow create winter hazards when filled troughs trap melting snow, causing ice dams along roof edges in New York. Trapped water freezes, expands, and pushes under shingles. We recommend gutter cleaning at least twice a year, spring and fall, to clear seasonal pine needles and broadleaves so winter snow melts off your roof without freezing solid.