Emma Butcher
Jan 07 2026
They say Matthews got the nickname “Stumptown” in the early 1800s because the farmers moved in and cleared the rolling forests for cotton so fast that they left tree stumps everywhere. Speed was the priority. They wanted the land open, and they didn’t care what it looked like or how hard it was to navigate afterwards.
Does that sound like a few budget fence contractors you know?
If you’ve driven through some of our neighborhoods after a heavy storm, you’ve seen the evidence of the “Stump-style” install: privacy fences leaning toward the sidewalk and gates dragging in the dirt like a tired dog. You see the “quick fixes” that have slowly morphed into neighborhood eyesores.
Here’s the hard truth about Matthews, NC: The ground hasn’t gotten any softer since the cotton days. Between the subterranean root networks of our massive oaks and that infamous North Carolina red clay, breaking ground in Matthews is subterranean warfare.
If you’re installing a fence, you can’t just rent a hardware store auger for the weekend and hope for the best—not unless you want to spend your Saturday fighting nature and your Sunday searching for a chiropractor. If you’re ready to upgrade your backyard, you need a partner who brings the heavy artillery.
That’s why finding the right Matthews fence company isn’t just about scrolling through photos of white vinyl and picking the one that matches your trim. It’s about finding a crew that isn’t afraid of what’s happening under the grass.
So, how do you spot the pros in a sea of Google search results? Here’s the deep-dive guide to vetting a contractor who builds for the Stumptown landscape—not just for a quick payday.
Let’s talk about the dirt. It’s the elephant in the room for any construction project in the Piedmont. In Matthews, we don’t have soft, sandy loam; we have heavy, dense, stubborn clay.
This soil profile is the number one reason DIY projects and budget installs fail here. Here’s why: Clay is reactive. When it’s dry (like during those long stretches in July and August), it contracts and turns hard as rock. Digging through it without hydraulic equipment is nearly impossible.
But when it gets wet? It expands and gets heavy.
When a budget contractor (or a weekend warrior) digs a post hole in this stuff, they usually hit the “quit point” way too early. They set the post at 18 inches instead of 24 or 30. It feels sturdy that day because the dry clay is gripping it tight. But the second we get a week of heavy rain (and you know we will), that clay turns into a heavy slurry. It pushes against the shallow post, and gravity takes over. That’s how you get a fence that looks like snaggle-teeth after one season.
The Pro Difference:
A professional Matthews fence company knows that depth isn’t a suggestion; it’s an engineering requirement. You need a team that uses professional-grade equipment to bore through the hardpan clay—no matter how hard it fights back—to ensure every single post is seated in the bedrock of your property. A professional contractor like Superior Fence & Rail mixes our concrete to handle the specific moisture retention of local soil, so your fence stands straight whether it’s a drought or a deluge.
Matthews is known for its tree canopy. Whether you’re in an established neighborhood near downtown or a wooded lot in a subdivision, you’re likely dealing with trees that have been here longer than the town itself.
Big trees mean big roots. And big roots are the enemy of a straight fence line.
This is where the difference between a “guy with a truck” and a professional fence company really shows up. When a careless installer hits a massive root from your 100-year-old Oak tree, they usually do one of two things:
The Pro Difference:
You want a crew that respects your landscape. Sometimes that means bridging a root system. Sometimes it means carefully hand-digging around a critical root. It takes more time, and it takes more skill, but it protects your property value.
Unless you are lucky enough to live on a perfectly graded lot in a brand-new subdivision, your yard probably isn’t flat. The Piedmont region is defined by rolling hills. That adds character to your landscape, but it makes fence installation a headache for amateurs.
When a standard fence panel meets a hill, you have two choices.
The Pro Difference:
A professional Matthews fence company doesn’t fight the terrain; they roll with it. Superior Fence & Rail uses vinyl and aluminum products that are engineered to rack significantly. This means we can follow the natural grade of your yard without leaving unsightly gaps at the bottom. It looks cleaner, it feels custom, and most importantly, it keeps your pets secure.
It’s no secret that Matthews is in HOA country. Whether you’re in a new development or a long-standing community, there’s a good chance you have a Board of Directors—armed with clipboards and rulers—who care deeply about what you build in your backyard.
Navigating Architectural Review Boards (ARBs) can be a nightmare of paperwork, color swatches, and height restrictions. Some neighborhoods treat chain link like it’s a crime. Others require specific finials on aluminum fences. Some have setbacks that are stricter than the Town of Matthews codes.
The Pro Difference:
You shouldn’t have to fight the HOA alone. The fence company you want has probably worked in your neighborhood in Matthews before. They know the rules and speak the language. A company like Superior Fence & Rail will help you provide the specs, the drawings, and the photos you need to get your application approved the first time. Don’t hire a contractor who says, “I don’t deal with the HOA, that’s your problem.” That’s a recipe for a fence you have to tear down in a month.
Matthews is one of the hottest real estate markets in the Charlotte metro area. Whether you plan to stay in your home for thirty years or sell in three, you need to think about ROI (Return on Investment).
In this market, curb appeal is currency and a cheap fence is a liability when you go to sell. If it’s leaning, rotting, or peeling, a home inspector is going to flag it, and potential buyers are going to ask for a credit to fix it.
The Pro Difference:
The right fence adds value, not baggage. When you choose a reputable pro like Superior Fence & Rail, you aren’t just buying a fence; you’re buying a warranty that actually means something.
In a town with history like Matthews, a handshake still means something. We believe a warranty should mean the same thing.
If you’re ready to move forward, how do you make the final decision? Don’t just go by price. In fencing, the “cheapest” bid is often the most expensive one in the long run because you end up repairing it twice as often.
Here is a quick checklist to use when you’re comparing quotes:
1. Check the Insurance
Don’t just take their word for it. Ask to see proof of General Liability and Workers’ Compensation. If a “weekend warrior” gets hurt digging a hole in your yard and they don’t have insurance, you could be liable for their medical bills. It’s a risk that isn’t worth whatever you might save on the installation.
2. Look for “Active” Communication
How long did it take them to call you back? If it took three days just to get a quote, imagine how long it will take to get a repair done if a storm blows a panel down. The right company uses modern technology to keep you in the loop—text updates, email confirmations, and a human being who answers the phone.
3. Read the “Real” Reviews
Don’t just look at the star rating; read the content. Look for reviews that mention the specific challenges we talked about.
You don’t have to fight the red clay, the roots, and the HOA alone. You deserve a fence that respects the history of Stumptown and protects the future of your property value.
If you want a partner who builds for longevity rather than speed, call the pros. Contact Superior Fence & Rail of Charlotte today to schedule your free estimate. Let’s build something that lasts.
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