Tree Stumps on Site
Tree stumps left in the ground provide an established food source and potential nesting site for subterranean termites. Once a colony is established in a stump, foraging extends radially - typically 50–100 m - placing any timber-framed structure on the property within reach.
Severity rationale
Across 1,239 observations the modal score is 3, which dominates at 902 observations (73%). Severity 2 accounts for 24%, and severity 4 for only 33 observations (2.7%). Severity 5 is not recorded. The average of 2.78 reflects that a stump on a large block well clear of the dwelling is a watch item, while a stump within 3 m of a slab edge or subfloor access pushes toward 4 because it removes the buffer between an established colony and the building frame.
Causes
- Tree removed but stump left in situ rather than ground-ground or chemically treated
- Stump decay already underway at construction providing pre-existing termite habitat
- Post-construction landscaping removal that cut the tree without addressing the root system
- Stumps from boundary or neighbouring trees extending root systems onto the site
- No requirement to disclose or remediate stumps at time of sale or construction approval
Symptoms to look for
- Visible old or weathered stumps in lawn, garden beds, or near the perimeter
- Soft or hollow stump when tapped, indicating active decay or termite colony presence
- Mud leads or termite workings visible at or around the stump base
- Foraging tubes on nearby fencing or timber structures connected to the stump root system
- Inspectable clearance to main structure framing compromised by stump proximity
Remedies
- Remove stumps by stump grinding or full excavation - engage a qualified arborist or landscape contractor
- Treat any remaining root system with a registered termiticide if full removal is not feasible
- Arrange a licensed pest inspection (AS 4349.3) to confirm whether a termite colony is already present
- Re-inspect the perimeter and subfloor for mud leads after stump removal
Where we see this most
These suburbs show the highest concentration of tree stumps on site in our inspection data (minimum five observations). Click a suburb to see its full defect profile.
Worth asking our inspector about this specifically.
Stumps close to the dwelling or subfloor should be removed and a licensed pest inspection scheduled before or shortly after settlement. Stumps well clear of the building can be managed as a watch item with annual termite inspections.