First off, thanks for all the information and advice everyone. I didn't expect so many responses so quickly. Flora: You're absolutely right. Beauty is subjective. Personally my taste is more minimal and I'm a big fan of "Southwest" style landscaping. That is one of the main reasons I saw this tree as an "obstacle" rather than a useful element. I'm renovating the house right now and to tell you the truth, landscaping of any sort is the last thing on my list of priorities. Maybe I'll grow to appreciate the tree, maybe I won't, but I definitely won't make a rash decision and have someone get gung-ho with a chainsaw and a crane. Horster: Thanks for lending your expertise. The general consensus seems to be a type of Mulberry. Ken: I think my comment on the bumps comes from my lack of knowledge about trees in general which is why I posted here in the first place :) I needed some real opinions about what I have and its value in landscaping. Yes, they are power lines. It's not uncommon to have a power "post" in your backyard in some of these older Los Angeles neighborhoods. Bad City planning at its finest. Again my tree ignorance shines....pollen sacs it is :) I don't plan on destroying the tree anytime soon. You mentioned a structural analysis...Are you referring to the tree or the tree in relation to the house?

I meant thin as not thick like a magnolia trees leaves. Not thin like tiny,like on a thorny cassia or an acacia tree,or a poinciana tree. Eric 9B the flowers in that last picture looks the same, BUT, those leaves are VERY VERY tiny next to my leaves. I meant my leaves are not thick,like on an orange tree, or a magnolia. They are paper thin and they are the Splendida tree. Those leaves in your last pictures are what I expect on an Acacia tree with comes with thorns all over it. THAT is my next tree! I need to find that tree....anyone got seeds and care to share?? I have many neighbors I would love to keep from touching MY gardens flowers! Have them reach through an acacia tree/shrub to get some flowers, and get a nice sharp surprise!! People are helping themselves to my Golden Chalice flowers every night! I go to bed with 12 flowers open,and wake up with 1 left! And they didnt ripen and fall off!! My 3 trees are the Splendidas. No new scales so far,and the leaves are holding on. So...they go in the ground in about a month or less. Got to be sure the bugs are gone first.

It is musa basjoo. The one in the first pic from the zoo.

Both trees look under fed and under watered. Your surrounding landscape tells me you are in a Mediterranean climate, maybe vista, CA or northern LA County/ Ventura Which means it is fairly mild temps with the occasional heat wave. During this time of year your trees should be getting watered at least 3-4 times per week and probably daily when they’re first planted to keep the rootballs moist and help establish growth. Without proper watering and nourishment your trees will not grow very much, the sun and reduced exposure will also have an effect on the trees. One thing I did notice is that you have several suckers sprouting below the graft line which I point out in your photo that I edited for easy identification. Any branches below that graft line will need to be cut back at the trunk. I suggest going to the nursery that you purchased the trees from and ask them what “Citrus type” of fertilizer is good to use for your growing region. If you would like some more help with identifying exactly where the graft line is, take a close up photo of the trunks and post it so we can show you where it is. Your photo with arrows pointing to the graft line Is below. Evan