“Still gotta hose off the top now and then, but at least I’m not scooping out leaf stew every month.”
That’s been my experience too. I manage a few older properties with big maples and pines, and it’s wild how much stuff ends up in the gutters no matter what you try. Mesh screens helped a bit, but those pine needles are relentless—like they’re on a mission. I tried the foam inserts once and regretted it after the first season. They just turned into a soggy mess and actually made things worse.
Solid covers have been the best so far, but yeah, you’ve gotta watch the pitch. One building had a flat section and water just poured right over during heavy rain... tenants weren’t thrilled. Ended up having to tweak the hangers to get a better angle. Still, I’d rather rinse off the top every couple months than dig out sludge. Not perfect, but it beats the alternative.
“Mesh screens helped a bit, but those pine needles are relentless—like they’re on a mission.”
That’s been my headache too. I swear, pine needles could probably slip through a locked door if they wanted to. I’ve had more luck with the solid covers as well, but honestly, even those aren’t magic—especially if you get a big storm and everything just piles up on top. Then you’re out there with the hose or a broom anyway.
Flat roofs are the worst for this. Like you said, if the angle’s off even a little, water just skips right past the gutter and you get that waterfall effect. I ended up putting a slight shim under the hangers in one spot and that mostly fixed it, but it’s kind of trial and error.
Honestly, after years of trying every gadget out there, I think “good enough” is about as close as we get. Just gotta pick your battles—rinse off the top or dig out the muck. Either way, it’s never really set-and-forget, not around trees anyway.
You nailed it—there’s just no silver bullet for gutters under trees, especially with pine needles. I’ve seen folks spend a fortune on those fancy “no-clog” systems, and sure, they help... until a big windstorm dumps a mat of needles right on top. Then you’re back up the ladder anyway. Honestly, I tell people to focus on regular maintenance over gadgets. Twice a year with a blower or even your hands is usually less hassle (and cheaper) in the long run. And yeah, flat roofs are unforgiving—if the pitch isn’t perfect, you’re chasing water all over the place. Sometimes it’s just about managing expectations and keeping up with it.
“I’ve seen folks spend a fortune on those fancy “no-clog” systems, and sure, they help... until a big windstorm dumps a mat of needles right on top. Then you’re back up the ladder anyway.”
Yep, that’s been my experience too. I tried one of those mesh covers—looked great for about six months, then a nor’easter hit and packed the whole thing tight with pine needles. Ended up having to pull the guard off just to scoop out the mess. What’s worked best for me is: 1) leaf blower in late fall, 2) hand clean in spring, and 3) checking after any major storm. Not glamorous, but it keeps things flowing. Flat roofs are another beast... even a little standing water and you’re chasing leaks for weeks.
Interesting point about the mesh covers—I've seen similar issues during inspections, especially in areas with a lot of pine or cedar. The buildup can be worse than just having open gutters sometimes. Out of curiosity, has anyone tried those foam inserts? I’ve heard mixed things—some say they block debris, others complain about mold or them collapsing over time. Wondering if they’re any better for folks dealing with heavy tree cover, or if it’s just another gimmick.
