How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

Keeping your gutters clean is essential to protect your home from water damage, foundation issues, and roof problems. How often you need to clean them depends on your location, the season, and surrounding trees.
• General Recommendation: Most homes should have gutters cleaned at least twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall.
• Fall Cleaning: Leaves from deciduous trees can quickly clog gutters in autumn. Cleaning in late fall prevents blockages that could cause ice dams or water overflow in winter.
• Spring Cleaning: After winter, gutters can fill with debris from storms, fallen branches, and pollen. Cleaning in spring ensures proper water flow for spring rains.
• High Tree Coverage: If your home is surrounded by many trees or has pine trees that drop needles year-round, you may need to clean your gutters every 3–4 months.

Clogged gutters prevent proper water runoff, causing water to overflow and pool around your foundation. Over time, this can lead to soil erosion, basement leaks, and structural damage. Regular gutter maintenance keeps water flowing away from your home, protecting your foundation, roof, and landscaping.