Where Do All Those Fall Leaves Actually Go?
Fall in Salt Lake City has its perks: cooler afternoons, beautiful colors, and trees putting on one last show before winter. But once those leaves start dropping, they don't always land neatly on the lawn where you can rake them up.
Some find their way into gutters. Others pile up in window wells, collect in roof valleys, or wash toward storm drains. And while a few leaves might not seem like a big deal, the places they accumulate can make a difference in how well your home handles fall rain and winter weather.
Here's where to look before the leaves—and the temperatures—start falling!
1. Gutters and Downspouts
Gutters are designed to carry rainwater away from your roof and direct it away from your home's foundation. When leaves and small branches build up, water can overflow instead of draining where it should.
That water may run down exterior walls, collect near the foundation, or contribute to moisture problems around the home.
Your home hack: Check your gutters and downspouts throughout the fall, especially if you have trees hanging over your roof. Make sure downspouts are clear and direct water away from the foundation.
2. Roof Valleys and Other Hidden Spots
Roof valleys—the areas where two roof slopes meet—can be natural collection points for leaves, twigs, and other debris. Leaves can also gather behind chimneys or around roof features.
When debris traps moisture or interferes with drainage, it can contribute to premature wear and increase the chance of water problems.
Your home hack: If you can see debris collecting from the ground, make a note to have it checked. Avoid climbing onto a wet, steep, or icy roof; leave hard-to-reach areas to a qualified professional.
3. Window Wells
Basement window wells are easy to forget about until a heavy rainstorm arrives. Leaves can cover the bottom of the well, mix with other debris, and interfere with drainage.
If water collects around a basement window, it can increase the risk of leaks and water damage inside.
Your home hack: Clear leaves and debris from window wells, check that drainage openings aren't blocked, and look for signs of standing water after rain.
4. Storm Drains and Yard Drains
Those leaves blowing down the street don't always stay there. Wind and rain can push them into storm drains or drainage grates near your driveway and yard.
When a drain becomes blocked, rainwater may have trouble flowing away, increasing the chance of localized pooling or flooding.
Your home hack: Keep nearby drain grates clear of loose leaves when it's safe to do so. If a public storm drain appears blocked or water is backing up, report it to your local municipality rather than attempting to clear a hazardous blockage yourself.
5. Lawns, Garden Beds, and the Base of Your Home
Not every fallen leaf is a problem. In fact, shredded leaves can be useful mulch, adding organic matter to the soil. The trouble comes when thick, wet layers blanket your lawn or pile up against your home's exterior.
A dense layer can block sunlight and airflow to grass, while persistent moisture against siding or wood can contribute to deterioration.
Your home hack: Mulch or compost healthy leaves where appropriate, but remove thick layers from lawns. Keep leaves and other debris from accumulating against siding, wood trim, and foundation vents.
A Few Minutes Now Can Save a Bigger Headache Later
You don't have to chase every leaf across the yard. Instead, focus on the spots where leaves can interfere with drainage, trap moisture, or hide a developing problem.
Take a quick walk around your property after a windy day. Check your gutters, look at your window wells, scan visible roof areas, and make sure water has a clear path away from your home.
As we head into Utah's colder months, a little fall maintenance can help your home stay ready for whatever the weather brings.
Your Hump Day Home Hack: Don't just look at the leaves on your lawn. Look at where the wind and rain are taking them!
Have a home maintenance question you'd like us to tackle next? Send it our way. We're always looking for ideas for the next Hump Day Home Hacks.
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