Remove woody debris from lot or grind it up
Buried debris can be a haven for insects.
It's often convenient to bury stumps and other woody debris on the site. This once-common practice should be avoided, however, because it invites problems. In addition to generating toxic soil gases, stumps, logs, and brush are food for termites. Once established in buried debris, these colonies can spread to the house. Mulch spread near wood structures also can harbor destructive insects. Removing a potential food source for termites reduces the need for chemical treatment. It may be possible to grind waste wood into mulch.
Learn more in the Green Building Encyclopedia
