The green tape seems to be girdling the Excalibur tree.
I see you haven't changed...
How would you describe the bottom tape on the tree?
that tree tape will stretch, as you know. It will not girdle into the tree. In many cases it can actually break. It is also removed and reapplies when the trees are uppotted. You obviously have not been to many large scale nurseries...not every tree is given one on one attention to check for each tree tape tie. When trees are not sold or they grow in a more vigorous manner, they can and sometimes will outgrow their pot, stake and tree tape that ties the stake.
I have seen this effect at Zills, Pine Island, Laras and Excalibur, to name a few of the more locally popular nurseries. You need to get off your horse and stop criticizing cause you got a bad $15 plant and did nothing about it but instead trying to get your rocks off by taking any shot you can. Oh, maybe you have a credible source that can prove me wrong...