Forsyth County Growth Boom Fuels Privacy Fence Demand

What New Forsyth County Homeowners Need to Know About Privacy Fencing

Cumming, United States – May 2, 2026 / Down to Earth Fence /

CUMMING, GA — Forsyth County reached 282,805 residents as of July 1, 2025, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2025 Population Estimates Program, extending more than a decade of accelerated growth that has made it one of the fastest-expanding counties in the country. The county recorded a 34.8% population increase between 2010 and 2018, rising from 175,511 to 228,588 residents during that period. That pace of residential development has created a consistent surge in demand for fencing installations, and, according to a local fence company, a recurring pattern of preventable planning mistakes among first-time homeowners.

Anthony Tisi, founder of Down to Earth Fence in Cumming, Georgia, says the most common error he encounters is homeowners beginning a fencing project without first consulting their homeowners association documents.

“HOA rules are the biggest issue we see,” Tisi said. “A lot of communities here have very specific guidelines about fence height, material, color, and even which direction the finished side of a wood fence has to face. If someone installs without HOA approval, they can end up removing the entire fence or paying to have it modified.”

Many of Forsyth County’s newer subdivisions were developed with architectural review boards and covenant restrictions already established. Those requirements are not always clearly communicated during a home purchase, and Tisi says his team regularly fields calls from homeowners who were unaware restrictions existed until they were already sourcing quotes.

Beyond HOA compliance, material selection represents a significant decision point. Wood remains the most requested option for privacy installations because of its appearance and cost, but requires periodic staining, painting, and board replacement. Vinyl has gained traction among homeowners seeking low-maintenance alternatives; it resists rot and warping and performs reliably in the humid summers and occasional ice conditions of North Georgia. Aluminum and ornamental iron are common choices where HOA rules prohibit solid privacy panels.

Demand for automated driveway gates has also increased alongside broader residential growth, Tisi said, as new construction homes on larger lots have made gate automation a practical security and convenience upgrade for more homeowners.

“Spring and early summer are extremely busy,” Tisi said. “If someone wants a fence up before summer, they need to start earlier than they think. HOA approval alone can take several weeks in some communities.”

About Down to Earth Fence

Down to Earth Fence is a residential fencing contractor based in Cumming, Ga., serving Forsyth County and surrounding North Georgia communities, including Dawsonville, Johns Creek, Milton, Ball Ground, and Canton. The company installs wood, vinyl, aluminum, chain-link, ornamental iron, and steel fencing, and designs and installs custom driveway gates and automated gate systems. Down to Earth Fence also provides fence painting, staining, and repair services. Founded in January 2022, the company has been named Best of Forsyth winner in the fencing contractor category for 2025 and 2026 by Forsyth County News. For more information, visit dtefence.com.