Strangely-growing tree

I think this is a Garry Oak. It's growing in Victoria, BC. Any thoughts on why it developed such a massive base?

 

… I searched the image using Google Lens tool

and it appears to be a maple with a burl

please see images attached - address confirmed by another Google tool, Streetview

 

Very smart! I had never heard of the Google Lens tool. Thank you.

I know it's a horrible thing to say but wouldn't that burl make some fabulous table tops?

 

oh one day it may happen !

meanwhile - Google Lens is in Google Photos

on my phone, it is in upper right hand corner - three dots

see attached photos

it’s handy for scanning brand marks on vintage treasure to the pattern on pottery etc etc - a wonderful waste of time :)

I’ve used it to ID vintage silverware patterns.

 

Checked it on street view and agree with Acer macrophyllum.

 

I was more interested in the burl than the type of tree but it may be that Acer macrophyllum is somewhat more prone to developing burls than other trees. I came across another UBCBF thread from 2010 showing and old A. macrophyllum in Oregon. Sorry, I can't make the photo smaller. Isn't that spectacular?

 

NE Portland
It’s a linear arboretum