Large Pine Tree Has Growth That Looks Like A Small Pine Tree Was Stuck On Side Of Trunk

Question From: k. sienk - Colden, New York, United States
Q: we have a large pine tree that midway up there is a growth that looks like a small pine was stuck sideways on the trunk, local nurseryman said there is a name for this odd growth and also wondered what might have caused it.

A: Sounds like you have a witches broom. It's a deformity caused from stress. Here's a link that gives a good explanation of why and how they develop.
http://northernwoodlands.org/outside_story/article/witchs-brooms
Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy