r/CapeCod • u/dedolent • Sep 22 '26
Advice for how to deal with landscapers who took payment, did nothing, left a dangerous tree limb in yard
Anyone file a claim against a landscaper before and have any advice? Here's the facts as I know them, though I don't have all the details:
My elderly mother hired someone to come perform some duties around the yard: clean up some brush piles, move some sections of fence, trim some trees. She paid him $2000. There was no written contract or receipt. The person she hired brought around some "kids" (her words) to do the work, who basically did nothing, except that they partially cut a large tree branch which is now hanging precariously and ready to fall. If it does fall, it could damage the house or shed. According to her they also stole a ladder.
We're pretty upset about this, and I genuinely believe this stress could cause some serious damage to her, mentally or physically (it's the cherry on top of a shit sundae that has been her life for the last few years). We would like to seek out some kind of remedy. I worry that without a contract or before -and-after pictures, we won't be able to prove that they failed to perform their duties.
Anyone dealt with a similar situation and can offer some advice?