Why Do Trees Clog Unprotected Gutters in Autumn?

A person who doesn't like the dramatic colors that leaves adapt when autumn comes is probably rare—maybe homeowners who don't relish cleaning their gutters? A majority of people though continue to believe that trees “die” when the cold season comes in. That's not the case; in fact, it is drought that makes trees with broad leaves shed.

Leaves are important parts of a plant because it is on their surface where photosynthesis occurs. To be able to commence the process, leaves absorb water, carbon dioxide and light. The act of taking all these ingredients in requires so much suction force that the leaves end up sweating profusely. With lesser rainwater falling in autumn and leaves continuing to sweat huge amounts of water, they will be dried up by winter.

To prevent this from happening, trees shedding their leaves would rather lose their capacity to produce organic compounds— their “food”— than be dehydrated during winter. This mechanism is apparently genetic, as broad-leaf trees still shed in places with wetter autumns and winters. Once the cold weather arrives, however, trees automatically will let go of their leaves.

Coniferous trees are, of course, an exception. Why? Their needle-like leaves do not have enough surface to produce the sweating that will leave them dried out. Their leaves are also