I'm not sure about what's affecting the health of the tree, but a good first move would be to remove the mulch from around the tree trunks. There should be a few inches of bare dirt around the trunk to avoid crown rot. I can't see if you've done that in the photos.

The first photo shows a plant that seems to need water. Did you change out the soil when planting, or did you use the native soil? This can make a big difference.

Thanks for your comments. The mulch is about 8-10" aways from the trunk. It has been raining here on and off for the past few weeks so the soil is moist. The plants that are growing nicely are in 100% (ready to ue) soil I purchased from Garden Supply. The sick plants are in mix of purchased nursey mix and native soil. Fertilizer (ones that look like tea bag) was also mixed with the soil.

The one in the last shot is in a sandy potting mix that looks dry. The watering ring around it may not be keeping up with its moisture needs during this establishment phase. Also amending planting hole backfill at planting time sets plants up for additional moisture related difficulties due to textural differences between the potting soil, the amended backfill and the unmodified existing soil beyond the planting hole. Since many - but not all - plants survive the initial struggle created by the amending, recover their normal appearance and growth once their roots escape the amended area, root into the soil beyond the hole it is repeatedly concluded that the amending of the hole was beneficial to them.