r/plantpathology

Are these spots from pests?

Hi everyone!
I’m looking for some advice regarding a young Norway spruce (Picea abies) that I have planted in the ground in my garden.
I recently noticed a strange brown, layered, shelf-like growth emerging directly from the base of the trunk, right around the root collar.
Here are a few observations:
The growth has several overlapping layers, almost like miniature bracket mushrooms.
It feels soft and somewhat spongy, not hard or woody.
It is definitely not sticky like conifer resin.
The surrounding soil has been quite moist, and there is some wood-chip mulch nearby.
The tree’s foliage still appears green, without obvious widespread dieback.
The growth seems to originate directly from the trunk rather than from the surrounding soil.
My main concern is that this could be a wood-decaying fungus indicating root or basal trunk rot.
Unfortunately, I live in an area where finding a qualified arborist is extremely difficult, so I may have to manage this myself.
I would really appreciate your opinions on a few questions:
Does anyone recognize this type of fungal growth?
Could this be a harmless saprophytic fungus growing on dead outer bark, or is it more likely a sign of internal wood decay?
Should I carefully remove the fungal structures, or would scraping them off potentially make things worse?
Is there anything I can realistically do to stop the progression and save the tree?
Would improving drainage and exposing the root collar help, or is the damage potentially already irreversible?
I’ve attached close-up photographs of the affected area.
I really care about this little spruce and would like to give it the best possible chance of surviving.
Any advice from arborists, plant pathologists, or anyone who has dealt with something similar would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!

Hyssop
Midwest Illinois first year being planted.
Last week we had about 4 inches of rainfall consecutive days.
Am I looking at a fungal disease due to excessive rain or end of the season dying leaves?

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