What in the world, (or other worldly) thing is this?

[Steppenwolfe]

Found this today driving around our farm property. I have never seen anything like this. Seems to be attached to a Virginia Pine in a hedge row. Literally creepy looking. Maybe some sort of fungus? I hope... :confused3:

 

[Jstpssng]

It looks like some type of a burl, with fungus growing on it. Was the tree dead?

 

[MossRoad]

Invasion of the body snatchers! :laughing:

 

[Steppenwolfe]

It looks like some type of a burl, with fungus growing on it. Was the tree dead?

No. Looks healthy enough. Too healthy, actually. I'm afraid to get too near it, I don't want it attached to my face... :shocked:

 

[Steppenwolfe]

Invasion of the body snatchers! :laughing:

Dude... it gave me the heebie jeebies...

 

[LouNY]

A possibility;
NCSU PDIC: Fusiform Rust: What's that orange stuff on my pine tree?

 

[MNBobcat]

It has a brain!

 

[RandyT]

Looks like fungal fruiting body. Of course almost all tree diseases are fungal in nature. May have started as insect damage.

 

[Diggin It]

Wait till it sends out the tentacles:

 

[MapleLeafFarmer]

Found this today driving around our farm property. I have never seen anything like this. Seems to be attached to a Virginia Pine in a hedge row. Literally creepy looking. Maybe some sort of fungus? I hope... :confused3:

View attachment 648190View attachment 648191

you are 100% correct.
It is a fungus and it is contagious from tree to tree.
It chokes off circulation and kills trees.
There is no workable fungicide treatment.
If you are fertilizing your young trees you should stop as it speeds the spread.
Also burning the wood speeds the spread.
To minimize infected areas and give young trees time to grow in the area prune and dispose of but don't burn as it spreads the fungus.
Also you can start converting your tree stands to something other than Pine and Oak.