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Why Gutter Cleaning In Summer is A Great Choice For Seattle Homeowners

  • Writer: Liam Clarke
    Liam Clarke
  • Jun 8
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 16

Cleaning your gutters and roof before the heavy fall rains arrive can save thousands in home repairs


Heavy Fir Tree Shedding On A Rooftop In West Seattle
Fir trees shed profusely, year-round! It's recommended to clean your roof and gutters at least 2x per year if surrounded by pines.

Seattle’s towering trees create a beautiful landscape, but they also shed debris year-round—especially into your gutters. This is especially true in neighborhoods with extensive tree cover, such as:


  • Madrona – Named after the Pacific Madrone trees dotting the hillside, this historic neighborhood also hosts mature maples, oaks, and cedars. Come summer, expect a mix of seed pods, brittle leaves, and sticky pollen to collect in gutters.


A Full Gutter System at a House In Madrona.
This debris accumulated after only 6 months at a Madrona property!

  • West Seattle – With towering Douglas firs, red cedars, and dense spruce clusters, this area sees a constant rain of needles and cones. These can clog downspouts fast—especially on older homes with tight gutter angles.


Heavy Debris From Fir Trees On A West Seattle Rooftop
In West Seattle, surrounded by towering fir trees, it doesn't take long for your roof to be covered in debris.
  • Windermere – Tucked along Lake Washington, Windermere is rich with tall pines, big-leaf maples, and willows. Tree debris, moss, and lake-effect moisture make this area a prime candidate for mid-season cleanouts.


Husser Gutter Cleaning Service at A Home With A Wood Shake Roof in the Windermere Neighborhood of Seattle
Wood shake roofs need more regular cleaning because they contribute more debris than composite roofs.

  • Montlake – Close to the Arboretum, homes here deal with a variety of ornamental and native trees, including sycamores, chestnuts, and cherry blossoms. In summer, flower petals and leaf fragments quickly build up.

Husser Providing Roof Debris Removal Services At A Craftsman Home in Montlake, Seattle
Montlake is one of Seattle's most beautiful neighborhoods. But roof and gutter maintenance takes a lot more effort!

  • Broadmoor – Surrounded by lush landscaping and golf-course foliage, Broadmoor’s manicured trees still shed fine organic matter like pine needles, small twigs, and seasonal sap, which can create hidden gutter blockages.



While many homeowners wait until fall to clean their gutters, summer is actually the best time to get ahead of potential damage. Here’s why summer gutter cleaning is a must for Seattle homeowners, especially those with tree coverage.


The Benefits of Gutter Cleaning In Summer

Cleaning your roof and gutters during the dry summer months will ensure that they aren't full of debris when the rains come back. Removing leaves, branches, seedlings and pine needles early prevents costly emergency cleanings when the fall storms arrive.


  • Prevent Water Damage – Clogged gutters can overflow. This leads to foundation cracks, basement flooding, and roof damage.

  • Avoid Mold & Rot – Trapped moisture can cause wood rot in fascia boards and siding.

  • Reduce Pest Infestations – Stagnant water and debris-filled gutters attract mosquitoes, rodents, and other unwanted pests.

  • Protect Your Landscaping – Overflowing water can wash away mulch and damage flower beds.



Why Seattle Homeowners Shouldn’t Wait Until Fall


Seattle’s climate makes gutter maintenance a year-round necessity. If you have fir or pine trees on your property, waiting until fall means months of accumulated debris, increasing the risk of:


  • Heavy, Wet Debris Overloading Gutters – Pine needles and wet leaves create compacted blockages that strain your gutter system.

  • Gutter Separation & Sagging – The added weight can pull gutters away from your home, leading to costly repairs.

  • Moss & Algae Growth – Consistently damp debris creates the perfect environment for moss and algae, which can clog downspouts and spread to your roof.


Why DIY Gutter Cleaning Can Be Risky

While some homeowners tackle gutter cleaning themselves, professional cleaning offers major advantages:

  • Safety First – Working on ladders can be dangerous, especially for multi-story homes.

  • Comprehensive Cleaning – Pros remove compacted debris and ensure proper drainage.

  • Damage Inspection – Early detection of gutter issues prevents expensive repairs.

  • Saves Time & Effort – A full gutter cleaning can take hours, especially with heavy debris buildup.



How Often Should You Clean Your Gutters?

  • Twice a Year: Rooftop Debris Removal & Gutter Cleaning In Summer - and the same services (adding Moss Removal & Treatment) in fall - are ideal for most homes.

  • More Frequently with Trees Nearby: Homes with fir, pine, or maple trees may need cleaning every 3–4 months.

  • After Major Storms: Heavy winds and rain can quickly clog gutters, requiring extra maintenance.


Husser Keeps Your Home Prepared & Safe Ahead of the Rainy Season

Don’t wait for the first fall storm to find out your gutters are clogged. Husser Window & Gutter Cleaning has been helping Seattle homeowners prevent costly damage for over 17 years. We keep a seasonal schedule for every neighborhood, to ensure our clients receive updates when the local foliage is most prone to causing maintenance issues.


Contact us today for a free quote and keep your home protected year-round.



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