My observations:
Even large trees are more prone to wind movement and damage than towers.
Large Redwoods excepted.
Mature trees like Oak and Ash appear to do well. Large, mature Oak
normally have a long life. Willow trees? Not so much from a relative
standpoint. The Willow is also flexible. There is large willow tree in
my neighbor's back yard. Their back yard abuts to the S side of my back
yard. I'd guess that tree is close to 4' across (diameter). A few years
ago we had a severe thunderstorm come through with a large bow echo
leading the storm. I was watching that tree from my garage's back door.
As the wind increased I could hear that tree groaning from close to 150
feet. The groaning kept getting louder and that 4 ft trunk was taking on
a substantial lean. The groaning increased to sounding like a person in
pain. With a loud loud snapping sound, that trunk appeared to be
leaning about a foot only 4 or or 5 feet off the ground when the wind
abruptly quit. Just as I thought it was all over for that tree, the
tree snapped upright. It's awe inspiring to see a tree that large, bend
that much.
The Oak has a good root system holding it. The Ash? I don't know, but
a large, mature Ash can be killed in a week by a relatively small bug,
The "Emerald Ash Borer". There are few trees left from huge stands of
Ash we had 20 years ago. I had 5 huge Ash that I used for antenna
anchors. Those are all gone. There is one large Ash near the edge of the
woods on the N side where I have a lag bolt with a forged eye to anchor
one of my sloapers.
A mature hardwood will not grow larger in diameter, BUT, it may see a
lag bolt, or through hole as damage and form (I believe it's called
bole) to cover the damage. Just pay attention and replace the lag bolt
with a longer one if necessary. This applies to most trees and
particularly trees that have not reached maturity. There is no excuse
for the lag bolts becoming enclosed, or overgrown. It's a slow process
and can be prevented with a little attention.
Many trees live a relatively long time, but there is no guarantee.
Disease, bugs, and nature ( wind, lightening, drought, and even low
temps) can end that long life prematurely and sometimes,quickly.
73
Roger (K8RI)
On 12/26/2015 Saturday 8:50 AM, Patrick Greenlee wrote:
I have used trees for support but not precisely for 50 ft Rohn 25
towers. Avoid "girdling" the tree. Do not wrap cable or other
ligature tightly around the tree. use material like an old bike tire
or whatever to spread the load so the attachment cable or whatever
does not dig into the tree or over a few year's time become embedded
in the tree through new growth. The other tip that comes to mind is
to attach to the tree as low down toward the ground as practical so
the tree's motion in a wind is not sufficient to cause problems.
I'm sure there are things I am overlooking but with luck other
respondents will cover the gaps I left.
I hope you had a very merry Christmas and wish you the best in the
coming new year.
Patrick NJ5G
On 12/25/2015 5:05 PM, Tom W1ALZ Nicholson wrote:
Has anyone used trees as guy anchors for a 50' Rohn 25 tower?
If so what was your method of attachment?
Thanks
Tom W1ALZ
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73
Roger (K8RI)
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