WASHINGTON — A group of homeowners who say they were swindled by a tree removal company say the stumps that sat in their yards for months were finally removed following WTOP’s story about the unfinished job.

Joseph Gelo of Stafford County, Virginia, says he and his neighbors were happy to see Monroe Exterior Services back out in the neighborhood this weekend clearing the tree stumps they’d left behind.

Gelo signed a contract and paid for the job back in September and was not able to get a hold of owner Craig Monroe to complete the work despite more than 100 calls. He says a stump left in his yard made it impossible to install a swing set his family purchased for his daughters’ Christmas gift.

Some companies are on the lookout for distracted homeowners who want work done quickly during the holidays, says Michael Kelly with the Virginia Attorney General’s office.

“We always advise folks to think about the 24-hour rule, especially if you get a phone call or a solicitation. If it’s a legitimate company, they’ll be happy to wait 24-hours for you to make a decision,” Kelly says.

He recommends checking a company’s background on the state’s consumer protection website or with the Better Business Bureau before paying or signing anything. He says given the warm temperatures running into November, this year is especially rife with scams because companies have had more time to contact homeowners.

While stumps remain in two of his neighbors’ yards, Gelo says he and another neighbor are pleased the work they paid for is finally done.

Calls to Monroe Exterior Services seeking comment were not returned.