Any ideas what has caused this?

[Dilz]

Would a picus reveal anything inthis scenario? or a core sample? i have seen similar buckling on horse chesnuts before - are there any trees around showing similar growth? it would be strange if it was the only one in a group like it which would point more towards structural defect rather than graft.....

Also anyone think that altertaions in ground level may have caused it????

[Stephen Blair]

i am with you on that Dilz, usually we dont see whats under ground, heavily plouges and worked fields loose a lot of soil over the years. The other trees in the back ground are similar but do not have the big ring

[Dilz]

i say lets fell it and find out

[ScottF]

A Picus of the swelling point might be revealing? Where's the tree? If I'm nearby on another job I'll do it for a laugh.