Mounting base antenna in a tree

[VETCOMMS]

I saw a post from 2016 but wondered if anyone has had good results with mounting an omnidirectional antenna like an Ed Fong into the top of a tree?

I read about lightning concerns, damage to the tree, movement of the tree all causing issues.

Is it worth a try?

[Sshannon]

There are literally thousands of hams who attach antennas to trees, but most of them are wire antennas.  How you attach the antenna to the tree will determine whether it damages the tree.  There are straps to minimize damage to the tree.

Here's a link to a forum thread in another forum talking about this.  One person said that TV reception suffered, but it's important to understand that TV signals are much wider band and more susceptible to problems than our analog voice signals.

https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/antenna-mast-in-tree.198967/

I wouldn't hesitate to do it.  If it doesn't work, then you look at your second choice.

[Lscott]

11 hours ago, Sshannon said:

There are literally thousands of hams who attach antennas to trees, but most of them are wire antennas.  How you attach the antenna to the tree will determine whether it damages the tree.  There are straps to minimize damage to the tree.

Here's a link to a forum thread in another forum talking about this.  One person said that TV reception suffered, but it's important to understand that TV signals are much wider band and more susceptible to problems than our analog voice signals.

https://www.arboristsite.com/threads/antenna-mast-in-tree.198967/

I wouldn't hesitate to do it.  If it doesn't work, then you look at your second choice.

A few people have used a wood utility pole as a cheap antenna tower. Of course the issue is lighting protection and how do you get the antenna up there and service it later. You can use either certified climbing gear, or better rent a bucket truck for a few hours.

Oh yes, you will sooner or later have to check/repair/replace the antenna and cable, maybe more than once, at some point. This goes for any place you put your antenna. That might change your mind on the mounting location.

[Sshannon]

32 minutes ago, Lscott said:

A few people have used a wood utility pole as a cheap antenna tower. Of course the issue is lighting protection and how do you get the antenna up there and service it later. You can use either certified climbing gear, or better rent a bucket truck for a few hours.

Oh yes, you will sooner or later have to check/repair/replace the antenna and cable, maybe more than once, at some point. This goes for any place you put your antenna. That might change your mind on the mounting location.

You’re absolutely right. With wire antennas it’s easy enough to leave a pulley and rope attachment on the pole for lowering and raising the antenna periodically, but that’s difficult to do with a mast or beam type antenna.

[Lscott]

27 minutes ago, Sshannon said:

You’re absolutely right. With wire antennas it’s easy enough to leave a pulley and rope attachment on the pole for lowering and raising the antenna periodically, but that’s difficult to do with a mast or beam type antenna.

With a utility pole, if installed right, you don't need a big cement base to anchor it like you would with a more traditional metal tower.

I had a discussion with a coffee group buddy about a tower recommendation for his house. I suggested a 30 to 40 foot tubular crank-up design. Those you normally don't need guy wires. Being a crank up tower they can be lowered enough that a step ladder can be used to access the top for maintenance. Also when very strong storms roll in the tower can be lowered to minimize or eliminate potential damage from high winds.

Also some neighbors may not like looking at the tower either. You don't want your house to look like something out of the X-Files. Keeping it down when not in use can promote better neighbor relations too.

[JohnE]

[WRUU653]

Wow! That looks like it took some effort to get up there @JohnE, impressive.

[JohnE]

Effort is a gross understatement
back story..... not enough room for a fall zone , too much BS to put up a 125' tower. Have ~100' pine trees in strong health condition. Hire tree guy and he thinks I'm nuts but he's getting paid. Put the whole antenna ,pipe and cable attached together on the ground. strain relieved and stressed the cable before having it hoisted and mounted as one piece.
My only mistake in the was cheeping out on the antenna. So far it has served me well.