How Do I Keep Pine Needles Out of my Gutters?

Gutter Maintenance and Pine Needles

Homeowners with pine trees know that clearing fallen pine needles out of gutters and off of your rooftop is a lot of work. Some choose to install gutter guard systems to minimize downspout clogs from pine needles, however, know that gutter guards are not the be all end all solution for gutter maintenance when you have pine trees.

In northern Virginia pine trees drop their needles anytime from late Summer to Fall. Gutter guards or not, this is when you need to plan for gutter maintenance. Always consider ladder safety when managing your gutters. If you are not 100% comfortable working on a ladder, contact a professional roofer to handle your gutter maintenance.

First, check your gutters for pine needles. Remove pine needles by hand or with a leaf blower. Check your downspouts for clogs by doing a water test with your garden hose. If the water overflows over your gutters and into your yard, you might have a clogged downspout. A telescopic water hose attachment may help you reach areas of your gutters from the ground.

If you already have gutter guards installed, check to see if they are working properly. Remove pine needles that sit on top of your gutter guards by running water over them. Periodically, run water over the surface of your gutter guards to clean any mildew, dust, or dirt that builds up over time.

Gutter guards or not, you need to know when to trim your pine trees. The best time of year to prune a healthy pine tree is in the Spring. Trimming the branches, especially the ones that hang over your roof is one of the best things you can do for your gutters.

Gutter Guards and Pine Needles

Installing gutter guards to protect your gutters from pine needles is a great decision. Just know that most gutter guard systems are not effective in catching small-scale debris like pine needles. Look specifically for gutter guards with micro-mesh components when purchasing a gutter guard system.

Best Gutter Guards for Pine Needles

The best gutter guards for pine needles are the ones made out of stainless-steel micro-mesh. The micro-mesh material is built specifically to keep fine debris like seeds and pine needles from collecting in your gutters.

It is our recommendation that the best gutter guard you can purchase for pine needles is the Raptor Gutter Guard. It has the best track record for keeping fine debris like pine needles out of your gutter system. It also comes with a 25-year warranty that helps protect your investment.

The ease of installment varies depending on the type of gutter guard system you purchase. Some gutter guard systems are DIY and easily clip on to your gutters. Other gutter guard systems require that you contact a professional roofer for installation. Expect a professional to clean and check your gutter securement prior to installing your new gutter guards.