Question
I have a similar problem with a tree root. Last summer I hired a landscaper to come out and cut/shave down the stump of an already cut down Mulberry Tree. This tree had lots of roots. He shaved it at least two feet below grade. in line around 20' over is another Mulberry tree that still exists. It had also been stumped about three feet left of trunk above grade. Of course now with Spring there is new limbs growing out of the top of the stump. Ok my problem is that both of these trees are on the South side of my home and it just so happens that the south side is higher grade then the North side. I have a tree root about 3/4 of inch in diameter that is leaking water and it has a coat of snot looking substance at the end I cut. One day I noticed a wet area in the back side of my home and thought I had a water leak. After digging, (leak checking both source water and sewer leak possibilities), I found this tree root in a puddle of water against the footing of my house. 4' away from the wet area...after all the inspecting, digging, leak checking. It's been six weeks and the entire area is DRY...Except for the fact that this 3/4 inch root leaks about 3-4 ounces a day. It was more early, but now it seems to be slowing down. I am afraid to cover it up cuz It is so close to my slab/footing of my home. You said in a previous question that it would leak till it died...after spring. Is there anything I can do to make it die quicker? Also, the second Mulberry tree trunk is going to be cut down next week and then shaved down below grade. Maybe I can cut some roots from that side after they do it. If you have any ideas. Not that I asked you a specific question, but I too live in the desert and it seems odd to have this root leaking. And, six weeks ago it was leaking more like three gals in one day...That was a trip to find out that it is now just this tree root.
Thanks,
Lo

Answer
The root system of a tree is for anchoring the tree and transporting food and water to the leaves and storage of food (energy). The leaves in turn produce "food" which is transported to the root system for storage. Some species when cut continue transporting water until they sprout new growth or die. This dying of the root system can be sped up by applying a herbicide called Roundup to the freshly cut roots and stump areas. The roots will transport the herbicide to the root system and will kill all the roots. Roundup can be found at most nursery/ garden type stores. Or you can have the folks who cut the tree spray the stump area after they grind in.