Odd one out

Here's an odd thing. I wonder what befell this tree, alone and bare among its fellows this summer. (Click on the picture to see the full width version composed of four images stitched together).

This view would capture the imagination of a landscape photographer, and makes him dream of returning at midnight with camera and tripod to capture the scene by moonlight.

Unfortunately that kind of activity could get you arrested. This is private land, owned by a school.