Knowledgebase
Trees for wet clay soil #628112
Asked April 27, 2020, 1:52 PM EDT
Lenawee County Michigan
Expert Response
The tree in the photo appears to be a Norway spruce.
The links below will take you to a few articles that contain lists of trees that do well in wet clay soils:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/hrt/uploads/535/78626/RightTreeFloodingred.pdf
https://pollinators.msu.edu/sites/_pollinators/assets/File/Tree_Planting_in_Michigan.pdf (There is a table of trees that describes the soil type they prefer near the front of this document.)
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/plants-for-damp-or-wet-areas/
When you mention spruce fungus, I'm guessing that you're referring to the decline of more mature blue spruce in the area. The article at this next link describes some alternative conifers, and contains links to articles that describe some of the causes of spruce decline.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/uploads/files/Alternatives_to_blue_spruce_BertCregg.pdf
It's important to plant the trees so that they have adequate room to grow, When crowded together or planted close to buildings, the trees aren't exposed to sufficient air circulation to dry promptly after a rain or thaw/ Wet conditions favor fungal growth.
Regards,