Fagus sylvatica Any ideas what caused this?

[Alex Seaview]

every beech tree in the grave yard was like it. It’s right outside Windsor castle 
 

 

Edited September 28, 2022 by Alex Seaview

[derek robinson]

Graft line.

 

[Alex Seaview]

Thanks Derek.  How can one tell the difference between the graft line and the old pollard point? 

Edited September 30, 2022 by Alex Seaview

[derek robinson]

 

[dan blocker]

Why would they be grafted?

[Alex Seaview]

My understanding is…Using the root stock of one species and the canopy of another it’s used where particular varieties are more succeptiable to spesfic defects and or for harvesting a more desirable fruit or ornamental foliage. In this case it looks like the Fagus has a weeping habit wich was perhaps more desirable…? However it confused me because trees around churches were often pollarded to harvest the wood/fodder in times gone by.
 

How long has grafting been carried out?

[Dan Maynard]

I would guess olives or vines probably for a very long time...

[Stere]

https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/janick-papers/c09.pdf

 

Grafting history....