Unhealthy spruce?

[Pat Sweet]

Hello!
We have a spruce tree in our front yard that does not seem to be doing as well as other spruces in the neighbourhood. My father-in-law places some boulders and wash gravel (left over from a renovation) around the base of the tree many years ago. I didn't think much of it at the time, but I'm wondering now if the weight of the boulders or (possible?) suffocating effect of the rock is harming the tree. The branches appear somewhat droopy, needles are a little more pale than other trees and sometimes small branches fall out of the tree.
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!
Pat

 

[Raintree]

Doesn't look horrible, possible nutrient deficiencies, get a soil sample done and move the rocks off the tree.

 

[ATH]

It looks like 2 courses of rocks were placed in a circle for a bed around the tree? Then that area looks to have been filled (with stone and/or soil?) I'd take that stone border out and pull the soil away as much as possible. It may be late to accomplish that - if there are lots of roots in there.

The weight of the big rocks is not a problem.