Tree Service in Matthews, NC

Tree Service for Matthews Homeowners

Matthews is a southeast Charlotte suburb that has grown from a small railroad town into one of the most popular communities in Mecklenburg County. The town's mix of old and new is visible in its trees — the historic downtown and surrounding neighborhoods along John Street, Trade Street, and Matthews-Mint Hill Road are lined with mature oaks and maples that are 50, 60, even 80 years old. Meanwhile, newer developments south toward Stallings and east toward Mint Hill have younger trees and more open lots.

This mix creates different tree service needs depending on where you live. In the older sections, the main concerns are large trees that have outgrown their space, root systems lifting sidewalks and driveways, and aging trees that are starting to die back. In the newer neighborhoods, homeowners deal more with fast-growing pines that need thinning, storm damage to young trees, and occasional land clearing for additions or outbuildings.

Matthews Neighborhoods and Tree Needs

Matthews is made up of dozens of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own tree character:

• Historic Downtown / Fullwood — Large mature oaks and maples line the streets. These trees provide great shade but need regular monitoring for dead limbs and structural issues.
• Weddington Chase — Newer development with a mix of planted hardwoods and natural pine stands along the perimeter. Pines here tend to be the first to cause problems during storms.
• McKee Glen — Established neighborhood with good tree cover. Mature trees close to homes are the main concern.
• Saddlewood — A mix of older and newer sections. The older lots have large trees that sometimes conflict with driveways, rooflines, and power lines.
• Stallings border area — Rapid development means ongoing land clearing and new construction impacting existing trees.

Common Trees in Matthews

Matthews sits in the typical Piedmont hardwood-pine mix. The most common trees you will encounter include:

• Willow Oak — Widely planted as a street and yard tree throughout Matthews. They grow fast, get large, and drop small acorns everywhere in fall.
• Red Maple — Found in both older and newer neighborhoods. They provide good fall color but can develop structural problems as they age.
• Loblolly Pine — Common in newer developments and along property borders. Shallow roots make them the most storm-vulnerable tree in the area.
• White Oak — Found in the older sections of Matthews. Strong, long-lived trees that rarely cause problems unless they are declining.
• Sweetgum — Common but often unwanted because of their spiky seed balls. Many Matthews homeowners eventually have these removed.
• Crepe Myrtle — Planted extensively as an ornamental. These rarely need professional removal but benefit from proper pruning (not the hack-job "crepe murder" you see everywhere).

Tree Services Available in Matthews

• Tree Removal — Full removal of dead, dying, or hazardous trees. Matthews lots can be tight in the older neighborhoods, so precision felling and rigging are often needed. Typical cost: $500 to $5,000+.
• Tree Trimming & Pruning — Deadwood removal, canopy reduction, and clearance from structures and power lines. Older Matthews neighborhoods need this more than most. Typical cost: $200 to $1,500.
• Stump Grinding — Stump removal below grade to reclaim yard space. Common follow-up after tree removal. Typical cost: $100 to $500.
• Emergency Tree Service — Storm damage response, fallen trees on homes, and hazardous situations. Matthews gets its share of summer storms and ice events. Typical cost: $500 to $3,000+.
• Land Clearing — Clearing for new construction, pool installation, or yard expansion. Active in the areas bordering Stallings and Indian Trail where development continues. Typical cost: $1,500 to $10,000+.
• Arborist Consulting — Tree health assessments and care plans. Especially valuable for older Matthews properties with large, mature trees near the home. Typical cost: $150 to $500.

Why Matthews Needs Tree Service

Matthews sits in the path of the summer thunderstorms that roll through the Charlotte metro area regularly. The mix of mature trees in older neighborhoods and fast-growing pines in newer areas means storm damage is common. Every major storm brings down limbs and occasionally entire trees, especially pines that have shallow root systems in the clay soil.

Beyond storms, the ongoing development pressure in southeastern Mecklenburg County affects trees throughout Matthews. New construction near existing homes can damage root systems through grading and excavation. Changes in drainage patterns can stress trees that were healthy for decades. And as Matthews' population has grown, more trees are growing closer to more houses, fences, and utility lines — creating conflicts that need professional attention.

The Mecklenburg County tree ordinance applies to Matthews properties. This ordinance protects trees above a certain size on developed property, and you may need a permit before removing large trees. Your tree service company should know the current rules and can handle the permit process. Nearby areas like Weddington and Indian Trail have different regulations since they fall under Union County.

Soil and Terrain

Matthews sits on typical Piedmont red clay — heavy, dense soil that holds water and can become slippery when saturated. Tree roots in clay soil tend to spread out horizontally rather than growing deep, which makes trees less stable in wet conditions. After a heavy rain, the clay becomes saturated and trees can lean or topple even without strong wind. If you notice a tree leaning more than usual after rain, have it checked sooner rather than later.