The short answer
In Greater St. Louis the biggest gutter cloggers are oaks, especially pin oaks, which are widely planted in Missouri yards and along streets; maples, which drop leaves and spinning seeds; sweetgums, with their spiky gumballs; and pines, whose needles slip through many guards. Homes under these trees usually need cleaning two or three times a year, or a guard matched to the debris.
Oaks and pin oaks
Pin oak is used extensively in Missouri landscaping, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation. Oaks drop leaves, catkins in spring and acorns in fall, and many hold some leaves into winter and keep dropping them, so fall cleanings can come too early.
Maples
Maples drop a heavy load of leaves in fall and winged seeds in spring that pack tightly into gutters and downspouts and can even sprout there.
Sweetgums
Sweetgum balls are hard and spiky; they roll into gutters and jam downspout openings.
Pines
Needles drop year-round and are thin enough to slip through screens and some covers. Micro-mesh guards are the most reliable choice under pines.
Matching a guard to your trees
Big leaves: solid covers and micro-mesh both work. Needles and small seeds: micro-mesh. Heavy acorn and gumball drop: a strong guard that won't dent, installed so debris rolls off.
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Related: Gutter Guards · Gutter Cleaning