It's hard to tell if they are ficus or which type. Have a close up photo of the foliage?

not sure why the person planting them would do that. That was a mistake.

The roots can still (and will) find their way out of the pots and into the ground.

Had they been planted in the ground with bare roots and kept trimmed, you wouldn't see as many root issues compared to if you let them grow wild.

Could also be a white fly infestation. Again, close up photos will help.

You should have your gardnener plant new ones directly in the ground for you.