Using Trees as a vertical antenna support. - by W5AJ - September 1997


(Another summary for the web page, when you have time.  - Scott)

Had several replies to putting a 80 meter wire vertical up using a tree.
In summary:
1.  2 pine trees used to support a cable between
them. From that cable hung the vertical.  Trees abt 25mtrs. tall.
2.  Popular Tree with pulley at 72ft for vertical.  Later changed to a
fullwave delta loop.
3.  Oak Tree used with a folded Monopole at abt 50ft level.
4.  Raised AL tube vertical next to 10meter tall tree (type?) and
then supported above tree with a set of guys.  antenna was LOW Q and
low SWR across the band when close to the tree.  Worked better and
much different when spaced out from the tree.
5.  Oak & Pine trees used and L supported a few feet away from tree.
6.  3' from Pine tree
7.  Maple & Oak trees work great. Uses coaxial L on them.
8.  Water Oak trees used with a 4 square made.
9.  Beech 25meter high.  Also L on 160 in Beech.
10.  Western Red Cedar 45' using a L on 80.
11.  2 Douglas Firs with cable between them and vertical hung from cable.
12.  40 mtr wire strung from a Eucyliptis tree.
13.  One don't use a pine tree it will suck the RF out of the air!

>From the replies it seems to work, some trees are better, pine seemed
like the concern & spacing needed from it to work properly.  Cost is
good (low).  73  Robert W5AJ