Derek, I agree that it's pretty awful. But we cannot tell you what kind of tree it is without pictures of the foliage! You know....some clues to the identity. Let us know your general location, too.

Not sure about the species but here's a video that explains proper mulching and @ about 2:00 shows them fixing an improperly mulched tree. https://www.thisoldhouse.com/how-to/how-to-properly-mulch-around-tree

where are you .. what is the native soil ... dig another hole if you have to .... to find out ...

pix of leaves.. so we can ID ..

ken

I'm not sure it is in danger. It looks green. If that is the root ball, it's not planted too deep.

Couldn't you just sweep away the excess mulch, trim off any metal or burlap around the root ball water it, deal with any girdling roots, (There are advantages to having the rootball out of the ground!) then build a raised bed/berm with a gradual slope around it?

See my comment on the other post. May be a crepe mytle.