My small Magnolia tree was cut down. What should I do?
For a bit of context, my mom used to live with me (Massachusetts) and she hired a landscaper to take care of the home's lawn. She moved out (to another state) for about 5 years now.
Before summer (around June 2025) I notified the landscaper I no longer wanted his services as I also got my own mower this year
My mom came to visit for a few weeks in November 2025, during her visit she hired the landscaper to come back and clean the lawn (I was at work when this happened). The landscaper has worked with her for quite some time and knows she moved away. In the process, they cut down a tree I had planted that summer.
I didn't find out until I got home and I didn't authorize the lawn service. He's now pursuing small claims court for the work he completed and is trying to put a lien on my house but the person who hired him hasn't been a resident at this home for years. And I, the homeowner, didn't authorize the work. Also, how would I go about getting the damages for him cutting down my tree compensated? Part of the reason we're in this dispute is that he cut down a tree I had just planted earlier that year ~200$ on top of demanding payment for a job I didn't authorize.
I'm new to this, any tips or suggestions is greatly appreciated. Thank you.