Trees in your yard, when planted with foresight, offer many benefits like shade and privacy. However, when left to grow unchecked, trees can sometimes tower over your gutters and drop all manner of things from leaves and seeds, to branches and critters.
With storm season approaching it might be a good time to have the trees in your yard pruned.
Leaves will Clog Your Gutters
Tree branches will inevitably shed leaves. Over time, a buildup of leaves in your home's gutters and downspouts will cause a blockage and restrict the flow of rainwater. Why is this bad? Gutters are designed to lead water away from your roof and property however, when they become clogged with leaves there is no where for the water to go. On particularly rainy days such as those in the upcoming storm season, rainwater will simply sit and build up until your roof is put under considerable pressure from the weight of all that water.
In rare cases, this can cause your roof to collapse. Mold and mildew will also be attracted by the moisture, further damaging the structural integrity of your roof.
Falling Branches and Debris
Some tree species, such as the native eucalyptus, are known for seasonal bark shedding. Trees growing too close to your gutters then, especially in high winds, will drop debris and even branches onto your roof and into your gutters.
Gutter Trees
If your gutters are a constant dumping ground for trees, it should come as no surprise that one day you might look up to find that your gutters are now home to a budding forest. Believe it or not, clogged gutters can actually produce the ideal environment for tree seedlings to thrive in. After all, there is water, nutrients from the buildup of material, and lots of sunlight.
An Invitation to Critters and Pests
Trees overhanging gutters are like giant neon arrows leading insects and pests to a land in which they can thrive secretly, as they build a new home inside your gutter and roof. Don't allow your gutter to become a haven for pests like bees, wasps, birds or possums. Over time, their activities will put a strain on the structural integrity of your roof.
If that doesn't get your attention, be aware that unlike their subterranean cousins who use soil as an entry point, Formosan subterranean termites only need damp wood to get started. If your gutters are clogged, your roof and its timbers could become a beacon to any Formosan scouts on the look out for a new home.
If the trees in your yard are hanging over your gutters, it's time for a trim. By acting early before any further damage is done, you can save yourself some long term headaches. Get in touch with a tree management professional in your area and they'll prune your trees to below gutter height without harming them or ruining their aesthetic appeal.
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