Brandon, thank you for the detailed response. Now that I know more about the "Dans default" comment, as an outsider I would say it made me feel inadequate. I do not take offense of the saying as it is true. I read and sometimes post here because I am learning. I planted five trees last year, (three cherries, a maple, and a Gingko. This year I am planting shrubs. I know I am no landscaper, but I am having fun doing the research and the work. I look forward to watching them grow. That is why I surf this site frequently. As for the drainage guess, the three cherries are lined down the side of my backyard. They are on a slight incline. The tree in question is in the middle, with one slightly higher and one slightly lower. I looked through the link. It was very informative, thank you. I used peat moss and a fertilizer when planting the trees. I dug the hole twice as big as the root ball. I used a hand cultivator on the sides and bottom of the hole to make smaller holes for "roughen the edges of the planting hole." The one thing I can think of that I may have done incorrectly is the part about teasing the root ball. I did try to loosen the roots but wasn't sure how much was enough. So maybe I didn't tease enough? Not sure. I tried to make sure the ground was level with the surface of the dirt that was in the pot. So the same amount of trunk was sticking out of my yard as it was when it was in the pot, if that makes sense. As for improper planting, I really did do a lot of research when I planted them. Most of it was on this site. But I definitely cant rule it out as like I have said before, It was my first time. I will get a picture of the trunk going into the ground for you guys. I'm not really sure what I'm looking for with the graft union, so I'll let you guys decide. Thanks again for all the reply's, and sorry for the lengthy post.

I need to get closer in to #10 to say with more certainty but it looks like its healing and so do the wounds in #9. The tree needs some pruning to improve the structure. Flowering cherries often do. But looks like it was most likely damaged or mishandled somewhere along the line. And it happened a while ago. So if you just planted this, like I said, you've got some valid concerns to raise. If you picked it out not realizing the wounds or poor branch structure, I'd still confront the nursery about it and see what they offer to do about it. Reputation plays a big role in that industry and they probably don't want to be known for selling trees that are in that shape.

Kwanzan cherry trees are grown in Florida and are usually sold in all of the big box retailers as well. They are considered the showiest of all of the cherry trees. I've seen a lot of them growing near Gainesville. Other than that, I can't give you much information. You can also check out red bud trees for their similar blooms.

You are not in a good climate for an ornamental fruit tree (like the Okame cherry) and are also restricted to the type of fruiting tree you will be able to grow. Unfortunately, that is just a fact of your location and winter climate.......not all trees can be grown successfully in all climate zones. But if you look at if differently, YOU are able to grow trees that will not survive in colder winter areas!! Fall color is not the easiest thing to achieve in SoCal :-) I'd look at Chinese pistache or ginkgo - both will color reliably in your area, as will Japanese maples IF you can provide proper growing conditions for them. I'd also consider Japanese persimmon. For spring flowers, look at Pyrus kawakamii, evergreen pear - gorgeous, white spring flowers and should also develop decent fall color (red).