whats going on here?

[muck]

 

  so the county (or city) has this tree alongside the road that i believe will be made 4 lanes oneday.
I believe its white oak (all the others in the row are) but whats goin on with this tree?



 




 



 



 

[Thehardway]

Tree abuse!  Maybe a poor attempt at a bonsai?   :D

Looks like it has been topped excessively leaving alot of scarring and some fungal overgrowth, also been banged about the trunk by mowers.

It would however likely yield some incredibly gnarly and figured wood if it is still relatively solid.  Can you get them to save it for you?

[Dodgy Loner]

Someone could make a lot of money if they could figure out why some trees produce burls like that. I would love to get my hands on something like that and saw her up 

[Ljohnsaw]

Post some pics if you manage to get your hands on it and cut it up.