News Releases

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine today announced a lawsuit against a Columbus man accused of repeatedly failing to deliver promised tree and lawn services to consumers.

Thomas Huber Jr. is accused of violating state consumer protection laws. 

According to the lawsuit, Huber operates under the business name Emerson and Melanie Landscaping, though he previously used other business names including Huber’s Tree Care, Capital Tree Service, and Tree Doctor.
 
Investigators found that Huber contacted consumers at their homes and accepted payment for tree or landscaping services but then provided incomplete or shoddy work.
 
The Ohio Attorney General’s Office has received six consumer complaints about Huber’s services since 2016. The average reported loss is about $400. 

In the lawsuit, filed in the Franklin County Common Pleas Court, the Attorney General seeks reimbursement for affected consumers and an end to any violations of the law. 

Attorney General DeWine offered consumers the following tips to avoid tree-trimming scams:

• Be wary of contractors who show up unexpectedly offering work.
• Check for complaints and research contractors carefully before hiring them.
• Ask neighbors, friends, and family for references.
• Get estimates from multiple businesses. 
• Don’t assume that the lowest bid is your best option.
• Avoid large down payments. If possible, pay in increments as work is completed.
• Get a detailed written agreement.
• Check your cancellation rights.

If a contract results from a door-to-door sale, consumers generally have three business days to cancel the contract under Ohio’s Home Solicitation Sales Act. Sellers must provide consumers with written notice of their cancellation rights under this law.

Consumers who suspect a scam should contact the Ohio Attorney General’s Office at www.OhioProtects.org or 800-282-0515.

Documents

Media Contacts