Surprisingly, these are un-photoshopped images of real trees.

In the 1920’s, a farmer in Hillmar CA began humilating some sycamores on his property. Axel Erlandson continued his mad arborist experiments for 40 years. A mere 75 trees later, God nailed him for being a wise guy.

Erlandson’s “circus trees” were popular, and just like any decent circus, travelled around a bit before finally settling down for retirement at the Bonfante Gardens in Gilroy, California.

More photos and history can be found here.