If you’re a resident of Highton, Newtown, Belmont, or any area within Geelong where gum trees are abundant, then the leaves, bark, and seed pod from these trees will regularly end up in your gutter. That’s because eucalypts, otherwise known as gum trees, make up the landscape of Geelong, and these trees have become one of the biggest contributors to the problem of clogged gutters in the area. In order to protect your house, you need to know the risks that come with the presence of gum trees, which is also precisely why Gutter Cleaning Geelong services remain in such demand.
Why Gum Trees Are So Common Around Geelong Properties?
Geelong is home to many types of eucalyptus species that grow in abundance in both the old suburbs and the newly developed estates in the area. The councils of the area use gum trees not only as ornamental plants to add beauty to the local landscape but also because of their drought-tolerance and ability to promote local biodiversity. However, this comes at a price, because gum trees do not shed their leaves all at once as deciduous trees do but rather throughout the year.
Why Regular Gutter Cleaning Geelong Homeowners Require Cannot Be Neglected?
It is not just about a few leaves that drop off. It is more than likely for gums to shed thin, curling leaves that fit tightly between each other in a gutter channel, pieces of loose bark, and little wood-based nut pods of the same shape that tend to get stuck in downpipes. In combination, this type of debris is much different from ordinary leaf litter because:
- Leaves do not lie separately, forming a tight mat that does not let rainwater to flow.
- Pieces of bark curl and accumulate one another to create little dams blocking the passage of water.
- Nut pods are firm and rounded, thus effectively getting stuck in downpipes and obstructing the water drainage.
- The debris contains oils and tannins from the eucalyptus which could speed up the process of corrosion of metal gutters.
That is why a seasonal clean is often not enough for properties surrounded by gum trees. If you’re wondering how often your gutters should be cleaned, find out why experts recommend scheduling gutter cleaning twice a year to prevent ongoing leaf and bark build-up. When debris accumulates quickly, professional Gutter Cleaning Geelong is the most effective way to keep your gutters flowing properly and protect your home from costly water damage.
Actual Problems with Clogged Gutters
Once gutters start to clog, many actual risks appear that are not related to how the property looks but concern its proper functioning and the safety of residents:
- Water damage – overflowing water gets into external walls, resulting in staining, dampness, and eventually rotting.
- Foundation issues – water accumulation under the house can cause destruction of footings.
- Rodents, insects, and vermin activity – damp litter provides a perfect environment for pests.
- Pest and vermin activity — damp leaf litter is an ideal nesting spot for rodents, possums, and insects.
- Fire risks – during Geelong dry and windy summer, dried leaves and bark in the gutters become an actual source of fire especially for houses close to bushland.
- Damage of roof and gutters – the weight of saturated debris can take off gutters from brackets.
Neglected issue can lead to significant costs for repairing.
When Gum Trees Shed Most — and When to Book a Gutter Cleaning Service in Geelong
In contrast to deciduous species which shed their leaves predominantly in autumn, the shedding of leaves and bark happens regularly all year round with spikes occurring during periods of hot and dry weather or strong winds. Bark shedding becomes more frequent throughout the summer period whereas leaf litter accumulates gradually throughout the year. For this reason, most gutter cleaning companies in the area recommend scheduling a gutter clean at least twice a year – first before the dry summer season as a measure to prevent any risk of fire outbreak and secondly before the beginning of autumn and winter when there is a heavy rainfall.
DIY or Professionally Done Gutter Debris Removal
It may be possible to clean up a gutter by oneself, but not only can it be difficult if one’s home is multistorey, but even on flat ground there are challenges that come from the debris created by the gum trees – the leaves and bark have to be unrolled manually; gum nuts tend to get stuck in downpipes, and climbing up the ladder under the threat of falling down is always a problem.
Professional gutter clearing uses special equipment like vacuum cleaners, downpipe cameras, and other safety equipment and ensures that the blockages are cleaned up safely and professionally without damaging the gutter system in the process.
Most homes in Geelong will benefit from the affordable services of Gutter Cleaning Geelong that ensures a thorough and professional cleaning without the risks associated with DIY work.
Gum Trees & Gutters – How to Protect Your Home All Year Round
Gum trees are one of the many things that make up the beauty of Geelong – but it’s not just about aesthetics when it comes to gutter cleaning; you need regular care to stop the problems before they start, such as water damage, fires, and clogged drains on your roof.
If your gutters have never been cleaned before or are due for another session, then it’s time for you to take action. Get in touch with the experts at Regal Gutter Cleaning Geelong, who provide gutter cleaning services designed specifically for properties surrounded by gum trees in Geelong and other suburbs around the area.
Continue Reading: How Gutter Cleaning in Geelong Improves Rainwater Drainage?