Cleaning gutters in Vermont might sound mundane, but after years of working across Burlington, Shelburne, Williston, and beyond, I can assure you—it’s anything but. Between wildlife, weather, and the quirky habits of Vermont trees, every cleanup is an adventure. Here are the five strangest things I’ve found in gutters over the years:
1. Squirrel “Pantries”
Apparently, some squirrels think gutters are perfect storage units. I’ve pulled out acorns, pinecones, and even tiny nuts carefully stacked like they were in a gourmet pantry. I like to think they were planning ahead for winter… and maybe judging my technique at the same time.
2. Mystery Shoes
Yes, shoes. Single shoes. Occasionally slightly muddy. Never the matching pair. I can only assume someone lost a shoe during a roof adventure… or perhaps it was the work of mischievous Vermont sprites. Either way, it’s not what you expect when you look up at your gutters.
3. Fallen Branches That Could Double as Lumber
Vermont trees are majestic, but when a branch falls in autumn, it doesn’t just gently land in your yard—it sometimes wedges itself firmly into your gutters. I’ve had to get creative to remove branches that looked like they belonged in a woodshop rather than a residential gutter.
4. Leaves That Refuse to Die
You think you’ve seen every leaf in the neighborhood, but some cling to gutters like they’ve got a life mission: “We will not be removed!” I swear, some leaves have been in gutters since last fall… and sometimes the year before that. Respect the leaves—they’re survivors.
5. Vermont Wildlife “Decorations”
Bird nests, leftover feathers, and even a startled robin or two… gutters sometimes become impromptu wildlife lodges. I treat them with care, but sometimes the residents are as surprised to see me as I am to see them.
Lessons Learned
Vermont gutters are full of surprises. From wildlife to mystery shoes, experience teaches you patience, humor, and respect for the quirks of our beautiful state. That’s why professional gutter cleaning matters: it’s not just about removing leaves—it’s about navigating the unexpected safely and effectively.
Pro Tip
If your gutters are clogged, icy, or simply full of Vermont surprises, call a professional gutter cleaner. You’ll save time, avoid injury, and maybe even get a funny story or two out of the experience.