Topband: elevated radials question

[Greg Davis]

Hello Topbanders,

I just got my 160m antenna back up after being off the band for a while,
just in time for the pre-Stew this past weekend. It is an inverted "J" with
I'd estimate 90ish feet more-or-less vertical over the tallest tree in my
back yard. I've got a decent number of on-ground radials laid down from
previous years, but I plan to add some elevated radials this season.

There are a few things I'm not sure of. Do I raise the base of the vertical
to the height of the elevated radials -- 48" inches or so? Do I leave it on
the ground and slope up from the base of the vertical to reach the elevated
height a short distance away? Is there any reason not to combine a mix of
on-ground and elevated radials?

Thanks in advance.

73 de Greg N3ZL