What to do with a dying tree and how to remove a tree stump

A dying tree near your house, shed or new build is a safety risk. Dead limbs drop without warning, and a weakened tree can come down in the next storm. Here's how to tell, who to call, and what to do with the stump afterwards.

Signs a tree is dying

• Leaves discoloured, sparse or dropping out of season.
• Bark cracked, peeling away or with holes, which can mean borers or rot.
• Dead branches, especially in the upper canopy.
• Fungi growing at the base or on the trunk.
• Leaning, particularly if it's new or the soil is lifting on one side.
• Little or no new growth compared with previous years.

If you see these signs, get a qualified arborist to look at it. For a tree risk assessment, look for an arborist with an AQF Level 5 qualification. They can tell you whether the tree can be saved or needs to come down.

Check the rules before you cut

• Trees on the footpath or council land: contact your local council. Don't touch them yourself.
• Trees on your own block: many Queensland councils protect significant trees under vegetation protection local laws. Check with your council before removing a tree, even on your own land. Fines can be steep.
• Trees near power lines: don't go near them. Contact Energex or Ergon.
• Trees on a boundary: talk to your neighbour first. See our article on neighbourhood trees and construction below.

What to do with a dying tree

1. Try to save it. If the arborist thinks it's worth saving, follow their advice on pruning, watering, mulching or treating pests.
2. Have it removed. If it's beyond saving, a large tree is a job for a professional tree service with insurance, not a weekend with a chainsaw.
3. Decide on the stump. Once the tree is down, you can remove the stump or leave it.

Before any digging: Before You Dig

Lodge a free Before You Dig Australia enquiry before you dig around a stump. Water, sewer, gas, power and telecommunications services often run near trees, and roots can wrap around pipes.

How to remove a stump yourself

For smaller stumps:

1. Dig around the stump to expose the main roots.
2. Cut through the roots with a pruning saw, root saw or axe.
3. Rock and lever the stump out once the roots are cut.
4. If it won't budge, hire a stump grinder, or call someone who has one.

Fill the hole with topsoil, compact it, and plant grass or a garden bed.

Levering a stump out with a tyre

This video shows a large stump levered out using a tyre as a fulcrum. It can work very well, but it carries real risk. Only try it if you have plenty of clear space and take it slowly.

Burning a stump out

This video shows a stump and its roots slow-burned using an open-ended 44-gallon drum (if you happen to have one lying around, like I do).

Be careful with this one. In Queensland you may need a Permit to Light Fire from your local fire warden, burning is banned during local fire bans, and some councils prohibit backyard burning altogether. Roots can smoulder underground for days and reignite, so check the rules and keep a hose handy.

Other options

• Grind it. An arborist or stump grinding service can grind the stump and main roots below ground level, usually in an hour or two.
• Let it rot. Drill holes in the top and keep it moist, or cover it with soil and mulch. It takes time, but costs nothing.
• Leave it as a feature. A stump can make a seat, a pot stand or a habitat for wildlife.

Building near trees

If you're building a new home, trees and their roots matter for your slab and footings. Roots can dry out reactive clay soils, causing movement, and removing a big tree can cause the ground to swell. Talk to your engineer about root barriers and slab design, and remove trees early so the site has time to settle.

Further reading

Navigating Trees and Construction: Tips for NeighboursThis guide addresses common problems like overhanging branches, root damage, and property disputes, highlighting the Neighbourhood Disputes (Dividing Fences and Trees) Act 2011.Landscaping for Energy-Efficient HomesProper landscaping doesn’t just enhance a home’s curb appeal—it can also boost energy efficiency, reduce costs, and support biodiversity. Explore considerations for designing a beautiful, sustainable outdoor space tailored to Australia’s climate.Shading Your Home: Design Tips for Comfort & Energy SavingsShading plays an important role in improving comfort and reducing energy costs in your new home. In this post we cover the best shading options, climate-specific strategies, and design considerations to enhance your home’s liveability year-round.Home Orientation for Comfort & Energy EfficiencyThe orientation of your home plays an important role in comfort, energy efficiency, and cost-saving potential. In this post we explain how to position your home for maximum benefit, including design considerations, materials, systems, and climate-specific strategies.Mastering Lawn Care Basics: A Comprehensive GuideMaster the basics of lawn care with this comprehensive guide. From understanding the menace of grubs in Australian lawns to the significance of aeration and drainage, discover how simple steps can transform your lawn. Dive into techniques like soil testing, fertilization.