u/Legal-Alternative744

What was once a beautiful jap maple has been seemingly on the decline for the last two years after the landlord covered the grass with ground fabric and rubber mulch. The tree is located at the south east of the house, so it naturally receives quite a bit of sun. Are my suspicions correct, that the roots have been fried? Is there any chance at this point for correction?

Last pic is cat tax from when the tree was healthy

Edit, it has only been a year since the rubber was added.

Growing from newly spread wood mulch, spore print is in process but I'm guessing it's going to be light brown. My apologies for foggy photos