What causes this in a Pine Tree ?

[Poquo]

Spotted this near Williamsburg , Va. today .  

 Looks like bulges that go around the tree .

 

[RPF2509]

Looks like pruning too close to the bole.  The swell at the branch base near the bole should not be injured when pruning a branch.  I've seen similar bulges in pruning jobs.

[Southside]

I believe it's a fungal infection.

[Poquo]

Thanks for the replies , that tree had a dozen of those spots on it .

[doc henderson]

they have a lot  of those in south Dakota, and use them for decoration for porch posts and such.  in deadwood I think.

[Clark]

I've seen those one other time and it was in aspen in Colorado. I have no clue what causes it but there is zero chance the trees I saw had been pruned. Usually incorrect pruning leaves an open wound just below the branch that was removed. I would vote no on pruning and yes to...something else.

Clark

[doc henderson]

I tried to find a pic.  they were all over this town, and from some sort of damage.  I will try to remember the explanation I got back then.  more than a burl as they encircle the tree and arise in segments.