Gutters are easy to ignore until something goes wrong. By the time most Medford homeowners notice a problem, the gutters have been clogged for months. I’ve seen this play out dozens of times — especially after our fall rainy season reveals hidden blockages through water damage and overflow. Here are five signs that tell me a gutter cleaning is overdue.

1. Water Overflowing Over the Side During Rain

The most obvious sign. If you see water sheeting over the front edge of your gutters during rain — rather than draining through downspouts — your gutters are full. This is very common in Medford homes under oak trees on the south side of town. Even partial blockages cause overflow, which directs water straight toward your foundation.

2. Plants Growing From Your Gutters

If you can see grass, weeds, or even small seedlings growing from your gutter line, that means organic debris has been sitting there long enough to create soil and sprout. This is common in Ashland and Jacksonville homes near the Siskiyou foothills. Vegetation in gutters means serious accumulated debris — and probably starts roots working into the gutter seams.

3. Sagging Gutters

Gutters should run straight and level (with a slight pitch toward downspouts). If you see sections sagging or pulling away from the fascia, that’s the weight of debris and standing water — and potentially rust or rot in the fasteners underneath. Sagging gutters need debris removed immediately, and may also need re-hanging or fastener replacement.

4. Stains on Your Siding or Foundation

Dark streaks running down your siding from the gutter line, or water marks along your foundation at ground level, mean overflow has been happening — possibly for a long time. The staining on siding is tannin from decomposing leaves mixed with gutter grime. Foundation marks indicate repeated water collection at the base of your home.

5. You Can’t Remember the Last Time They Were Cleaned

If you genuinely can’t remember the last gutter cleaning — or if it was over 12 months ago in a home with surrounding trees — they’re overdue. In Southern Oregon, especially in tree-heavy neighborhoods like Ashland’s Railroad District or Medford’s south side, annual cleaning is the minimum. Most homes with significant tree coverage need twice-yearly service.