Topband: Effects of trees

[EP Swynar]

On 4th December Tom wrote...

> I have no idea how that changes the FS, but since a tree is lossy
(compared to a steel or metal structure) it probably isn't helpful.

Hi Guys,

Well, now I really AM confused...!

Do I understand it correctly that it's far, far better situation to have a
GROUNDED STEEL TOWER in the immediate proximity of a radiating vertical
antenna, rather than a LOSSY TREE...?

The only "advantage" that I can see in having a tower nearby is that it
would be much more efficient in conducting the RF you've emitted directly to
ground(!), whereas a tree would be less effective in this regard...

What the heck am I missing here? Didn't the OTs of yore, like Marconi with
his fan antennas, etc., adhere strictly to wooden structures specifically
for this very reason...?

I'll pose the question this way: let's say you're a suburban Ham, very
limited in real estate. You want to put up a vertical antenna. Now, what's
the better "vertical-friendly" scenario, i.e. to live in a sub-division of
homes made entirely of brick & wood with VINYL outside wall siding, or to
live in a sub-division made of brick & wood --- but sheathed in ALUMINUM
siding...?

My vote would be for the former, but concensus suggests that the latter is
best...I still don't understand why, either!

~73~ Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ