Mulch is good, mowers and trimmers bad when it comes to tree trunks; Tyler, TX

Tyler Paper - Tyler Morning Telegraph
Perhaps nothing is more valuable around the home than a nice shade tree. I often get questions about young shade trees which appear to be dying. Symptoms will vary, but often include less foliage, a thin canopy, the edges of the leaves are burned, and sometimes a dead tree.

People with trees like this may wonder what insect or disease is working on the tree. Too often, however, the answer lies right in the hands of the tree's caretaker. The problem I refer to is mower and trimmer blight."