Updated: Need advice on digging through heavy tree roots (1 Viewer)

[beer 30]

I don’t really have a use for that but I kind of want it

No you don't, I have one and been on the business end of it too often. It will wear you out.

Keep digging around the roots using shovels and spud bar.  Cut exposed roots withe axe and sawzall.   Dig and cut down layer by layer.  I just dug a 55' long trench 2.5 feet deep through a bunch of roots. It took many evenings and lots of Advil.   The rate of digging can be frustratingly slow but Sometimes life is not all rainbows and unicorns.  

Best way to get to the immediate problem but that tree should be removed.

This sounds terrible. I’d either hire someone or rent a piece of equipment to assist me if I were doing it myself. 

A smart man...

hell, you can rent them yourself by the hour https://www.homedepot.com/tool-truck-rental/Stump-Grinder/SG1314B/

That little POS wouldn't dent that stump. Would take you hours to gnaw that thing up.

I’m shocked nobody else has said this yet.....Dude, that tree needs to come down. Its way too close to your foundation and very likely is going to continue to create more problems.

I see you got your repairs done but that tree really should be removed. Hire a professional with it that close to the house. Stump removal would be tricky as hell with the water line and electric run there.