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The Arbutus Homeowner’s Guide: Protecting Your Foundation from the Arbutus Oak to the Relay Woods

  • Writer: Shepherd & Sons Inc.
    Shepherd & Sons Inc.
  • Jan 17
  • 2 min read
A brick and siding home in Arbutus, MD with autumn leaves on the roof and gutter, and wet ground from rain, illustrating the need for gutter cleaning or installation services from Shepherd & Sons Inc.

If you live in Arbutus, MD, you know that our neighborhood’s charm comes from its mature canopy—those massive oaks and maples that line streets like Linden Avenue and Sulfur Spring Road. But for your home’s foundation, those beautiful trees can be a nightmare.


Between the spring "helicopter" seeds and the heavy leaf drop in the fall, Arbutus gutters take a beating. At Shepherd & Sons Inc., we’ve been the local choice for expert gutter care since 1997. Here is what every

Arbutus neighbor needs to know about maintenance and when it’s time for a professional upgrade.


1. Why Two Cleanings Aren’t Enough in Arbutus


Most national advice says "clean your gutters twice a year." In a wooded community like ours—especially if you’re tucked into Relay or Academy Heights—that’s often not enough.


We recommend a professional gutter cleaning schedule that fits our specific Baltimore County climate:


  • Late Spring: To clear out the "helicopters" (maple seeds) and oak tassels that clog downspouts.

  • Early Fall: To clear summer storm debris before the main leaf drop.

  • The "Santa Truck" Deadline: You want your gutters crystal clear before the Arbutus Volunteer Fire Department brings Santa around on the fire truck in December. Clogged gutters in winter lead to ice dams that can pull your gutters right off the house.


2. When to Consider a New Gutter Installation


Many Arbutus homes, particularly the classic bungalows near East Drive and the post-war houses in Arbutus Heights, were originally built with 4-inch sectional gutters. Modern Maryland storms often overwhelm these smaller, older systems.


It might be time for a professional gutter installation if you notice:


  • Basement Dampness: Common in Arbutus due to our local clay soil; if water isn't moved 5+ feet from your foundation, it’s going into your basement.

  • Siding Stains: If you see "tiger stripes" or mud splashes on your siding, your gutters are likely too small or pulling away from the fascia board.

  • The Seamless Advantage: Shepherd & Sons Inc. specializes in seamless gutter installation. Because they have no joints, they are significantly less likely to leak or sag over time.


3. Do You Need Gutter Guards Near Patapsco Valley State Park?


If your backyard borders Patapsco Valley State Park or the wooded lots near UMBC, gutter guards are a game-changer. High-quality gutter guards prevent birds and squirrels from nesting in your eaves and stop heavy debris from clogging your downspouts during sudden summer thunderstorms.

Local Pro Tip: Next time it pours, put on a raincoat and walk around your house. If you see water "surging" off the roof or overflowing like a waterfall near your front porch, your system is failing. Don't wait for a foundation crack to call for an inspection!

Protect Your Arbutus Home with Shepherd & Sons Inc.


[Contact Shepherd & Sons Inc. for a Free Arbutus Gutter Estimate](https://www.shepherdandsonsgutters.com/schedule-a-free-estimate) or call us today at (410) 737-2131.

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