5 Australian Trees That Cause the Most Roof & Gutter Damage (and What You Can Do About Them)

All-Flow Aluminium Gutter Mesh • September 3, 2025

Australia’s leafy streets and backyards are filled with beautiful, towering trees. They provide shade, add character, and help cool our homes in summer. But those same trees can wreak havoc on roofs and gutters. Falling leaves, bark, flowers, and needles don’t just make a mess; they clog gutters, increase bushfire risk, and can even cause water damage inside your home.

So, which trees are the worst offenders? And if you’ve got them in your yard, what’s the best way to protect your roof without cutting them down?

1. Eucalyptus (Gum Trees)

Gum trees are iconic in Australia, but they’re also one of the hardest on your roof. They shed leaves, bark, and small branches throughout the year, not just in autumn. Those thin, oily leaves easily fill gutters and valleys, creating blockages that stop water from flowing away.

Even worse, dry gum leaves are highly flammable. If they build up in your gutters, they increase the fire load on your roof, a serious risk during bushfire season.

The problem: Constant debris, which is a bushfire risk.

2. Pine Trees

Pine needles may look harmless, but once they drop, they’re a nightmare for gutters. Their fine size allows them to slip through small openings and build up quickly. In damp conditions, pine needles compact into a heavy, soggy mess that blocks downpipes and causes gutters to overflow.

Like gum leaves, dry pine needles are also highly flammable, adding to fire risk if they accumulate in roof spaces.

The problem: Fine needles clog quickly and pose a fire hazard.

3. Jacarandas

Jacarandas are stunning in bloom, but their delicate purple flowers can cause big trouble once they fall. The flowers decompose quickly in gutters, creating a wet, sludgy layer that blocks drainage and accelerates rust in metal gutters.

If you’ve ever parked your car under a jacaranda during flowering season, you’ll know how sticky those petals can be — now imagine that in your roof drainage system.

The problem: Flowers rot, causing rust and water overflow.

4. Fig Trees

Fig trees are popular in many Australian backyards, but their large leaves and aggressive root systems make them a double threat. Leaves quickly clog gutters and valleys, while branches that are not pruned regularly can rub against roofs.

Even more problematic are the roots. Planted too close to a house, they can interfere with foundations, pipes, and stormwater systems.

The problem: Big leaves block gutters and invasive roots.

5. Paperbarks (Melaleuca)

Paperbarks are known for their constantly shedding bark. While beautiful, those thin, papery strips end up in gutters where they tangle with leaves and create stubborn blockages. Like eucalyptus, paperbark debris is also highly combustible, adding fuel to a roof in bushfire season.

The problem: Bark sheds constantly, adding to fire risk.

Why Not Just Remove the Trees?

It might seem easier to cut down problem trees simply, but it’s not always that straightforward.

Council regulations: Many Australian native trees, especially gum trees, are protected by local councils. Removal or heavy pruning often requires approval.
Cost: Tree removal can run into thousands of dollars.
Shade and aesthetics: Removing trees means losing the natural cooling, privacy, and beauty they bring to your home.

In most cases, removing trees isn’t practical and often isn’t even legal.

The Smarter Alternative: Install Gutter Guard

Instead of constantly cleaning gutters or fighting with council permits, a practical solution is to prevent the problem in the first place.

All-Flow Gutter Guard is specifically designed for Australian conditions, providing year-round protection against leaves, bark, and other debris.

Easy DIY installation — no special tools required.
Premium aluminium mesh that won’t rust.
Bushfire rated to AS 1530-2:1993 for peace of mind.
Available in 23 Colorbond® colours to match your roof.
Affordable gutter guard kits start from just $90.50 delivered anywhere in Australia.

By installing gutter guard while your gutters are clean, you’ll save yourself the hassle of frequent maintenance and protect your roof against blockages, water overflow, and increased fire risk.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Trees, Protect Your Home

Australia’s trees are part of what makes our homes and suburbs so unique. But they don’t need to be a hazard to your roof and gutters.

By cleaning your gutters in spring and installing gutter guard while you’re up there, you can enjoy the benefits of leafy trees without the downsides of constant roof maintenance. You’ll be ready for summer storms and bushfire season, and you’ll save yourself the worry of blocked or overflowing gutters.

Protect your home with All-Flow Gutter Guard, premium protection for just $90.50 delivered.

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