Antenna in a tree

I am considering mounting an antenna on a pole in a tree.
Is this feasible and is there anything I should consider?

Paul

Hi Paul,

If you can get an antenna up the tree, then it is quite feasible

Many radio operators have used trees for antenna supports so they can't all be wrong, (although arguments ensue about water content of trees, blah-de-blah).

Anything to consider?

Trees are not indestructible, a good wind can take them down.
Trees get hit by lightning, if the tree gets hit then so does your antenna.
Trees grow all the time, so don't be surprised if a new branch growth knocks your antenna out or the tree grows around your antenna!

The list could go on, squirrels chewing your coax, woodpeckers, etc. etc. If you run high power, then you could get high voltages knocking down some unsuspecting squirrel or child climbing the tree......the last one isn't as funny sounding as the squirrel falling
(That'll be the animal activists in fury at that one - it's a joke, grow a sense of humour).

Talking of which, you'll get the "Trees are there to provide air for us to breathe.....", so to them antennas in trees are a no-no.

But if you lash a pole around a tree don't be surprised if a steel band clamp or other such 'rings' the tree killing it in the process. Also, what condition is the tree in? Hard to tell if a tree is diseased sometimes and you could well bring it down in the process. (Falling trees are heavy, very heavy, heavy enough to kill anyone they fall on!)



As said, many radio operators have used trees as supports for antennas - up to you really


(I know that doesn't sound too helpful but it's just some things to consider, which must be of some help.)


All the best,
Victor

Victor gave a great reply there, i have had a scanner antenna in a tree for 2 years now, Discone type and all ok, its on a metal pole with a base going in to the tree branch area so it is not so visible to keep the wife happy, cable in a thin metal tube to protect from wild life, back garden backs on to a forest so plenty of wild life, and works ok for what i need, good luck in what you find works for you.

Hi GlenDog. 
My antenna is a Hawkins 1/2 wave and is on a 9m pole next to the tree in our garden. 

It’s close enough to get all the cover through the spring/summer and autumn which makes it invisible then but not having the difficult decision of how to mount it. 

It also means I can drop it 3m or so if there is  storm or strong winds about very quickly. 

Good luck. 

John

Hi John, the scanner antenna is on a pole, 6metre in 2 meter sections, so it can be made shorter for storms like you do at your location, its a very strong pole, it is a pole for tree cutting with a saw on the end so it is made of good metal, joints and so on, use a 10 meter version for the the main cb antenna the Gain master and has been ok for 2 years now, i have a balcony on the back of the house and fix the pole to that base floor area so 10 meter is enough to clear the house roof, and reduce it when not on the radio, good working practice so far.
Nice to have you back on the forum, glad you are well again.
Take care there in the Uk.

Great feedback there guys and all helpful to the OP, Paul.

If we 'considered' everything we do, we'd never get anything done!  


------------------

John, (TriStar), I mirror Glenn's sentiment, good to see you back mate. 
I had just seen somewhere on the forum that you hadn't been well so hope you're much better now and on the mend.


All the best,
Victor

Thanks guys!

Glad to be back,!

John