Josh Stein sues tree removal companies, claiming they charged Western NC couple $25,500 after Helene

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein has sued two Triangle-based landscapers over alleged price increases in western North Carolina for tree removal in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

On Thursday, Stein filed a lawsuit against Lorin Huggins Sr. and his companies, including Huggins & Sons Yard Service and Lorenzo & Son Landscaping. Both companies are based in Durham.

A press release from Stein’s team notes a bill from a Hendersonville couple who paid $25,500 for tree removal.

A Hendersonville couple found Huggins on HomeAdvisor.com after two trees fell on their roof during Hurricane Helene. They spoke with Huggins, who agreed to travel to Hendersonville and remove the trees. Upon his arrival, Huggins told the couple they had to pay $25,500 up front. Stein said the couple was afraid their roof would collapse due to the trees, so they paid for the tree removal with a credit card.

Stein noted that Huggins brought only three men, three chainsaws and a leaf blower for the job. Instead of removing trees and tree debris from the house and yard, the suspect’s workers dropped tree limbs and debris through the hole in the roof into the house, causing a tree to fall and damaging a retaining wall. The defendant did not complete the removal and cleanup of the trees, which meant the couple had to hire and pay additional contractors to remove a tree trunk and other debris.

“As Western North Carolina continues to clean up and rebuild from the hurricane, I want the price gougers to be aware,” said Stein, who is running for governor in the 2024 election cycle. “If you are taking advantage of people in times of need and charging them unfair, excessive prices, my office will hold you accountable.”

Attorney General Stein is seeking a temporary, preliminary, and permanent injunction against the defendant to prevent misrepresentations and future price gouging, along with restitution, civil penalties, attorneys’ fees, and other relief.

Tips are available on how to remove trees and avoid scams.