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Author Topic: Using tree branch overhanging my property  (Read 1111 times)

KK4GMU

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Using tree branch overhanging my property
« on: October 08, 2022, 12:16:55 PM »

A fellow ham suggested I use a neighbors tree branch that slightly overhangs my property for an end fed antenna.

In my thinking that may provoke excess attention to my antenna in my HOA.

Your thoughts?
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K1VSK

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Re: Using tree branch overhanging my property
« Reply #1 on: October 08, 2022, 12:37:46 PM »

Yes, it might. Or might not… I love binary issues.

Why not ask your neighbor?
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W0CKI

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Re: Using tree branch overhanging my property
« Reply #2 on: October 08, 2022, 01:30:06 PM »

I would certainly ask the neighbor first. It's his tree.
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KK4GMU

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Re: Using tree branch overhanging my property
« Reply #3 on: October 08, 2022, 02:33:19 PM »

The neighbor is absentee. The house is not occupied.  I don't know who the owner is.  I'd be more concerned with the adjoining nosy neighbors wondering what I'm doing with my unknown neighbor's tree.  I guess if it just doesn't "feel right" I shouldn't do it.
« Last Edit: October 08, 2022, 02:35:57 PM by KK4GMU »
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KC0W

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Re: Using tree branch overhanging my property
« Reply #4 on: October 08, 2022, 02:36:44 PM »



I would certainly ask the neighbor first. It's his tree.

 

 The same would apply for attaching a wire antenna to a tree branch that overhangs onto your property.

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WA3SKN

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Re: Using tree branch overhanging my property
« Reply #5 on: October 08, 2022, 02:58:17 PM »

I would suggest a triangular loop made with stranded stainless steel fishing line between condo, branch and weight... fed with some open wire and a tuner.  DX engineering has some 1/2 inch stuff that would be less noticable.  No need to cut to frequency either!

-Mike.
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WB6BYU

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Re: Using tree branch overhanging my property
« Reply #6 on: October 08, 2022, 03:59:02 PM »

Depends on a lot of factors, particularly how your neighbor
feels about it.

Laws vary from one location to another, but often you have
some legal rights to use a branch hanging over onto your
property, assuming you can do so without damaging the tree.

HOA attention may depend on the thickness of the wire
you use.  I have a doublet up on my roof made from #26
stranded, insulated wire with brown/green/black stripes.
The end ropes are black microcord.  When I show it to hams,
we generally have to stand right under it.  It is very difficult
to see from the street - until the sun glints off of it just right,
or we get a bit of ice / snow on the wire.

A lot also depends on the the background - harder to see
wires with trees behind them then with a bright sky.

Are you planning that the wire hangs straight down as a
vertical?  (Possibly pulled towards the trunk so it isn't
quite as obvious?)  Or something running horizontally
from the house?  The latter would put more sideways
stress on the branch, which might be an issue, depending
on size and strength.

KK2DOG

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Re: Using tree branch overhanging my property
« Reply #7 on: October 08, 2022, 04:59:02 PM »

I'm not a lawyer but I understand that if a neighbor's tree branch is hanging over/onto YOUR property, you have the green light to cut/trim it. So...why not take advantage of a branch that doesn't quite need trimming?
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SWMAN

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Re: Using tree branch overhanging my property
« Reply #8 on: October 08, 2022, 05:25:20 PM »

 I would say go for it, he probably won’t even notice it. If he says anything I would just take it down and go to plan B.
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KF4HR

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Re: Using tree branch overhanging my property
« Reply #9 on: October 08, 2022, 06:25:27 PM »

You may want to consider what might happen if you connected your antenna to your neighbors tree and lightning hit your antenna, possibly the tree to catch fire.  I'd recommend getting permission first.
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W9WQA

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Re: Using tree branch overhanging my property
« Reply #10 on: October 08, 2022, 06:42:02 PM »

if i had a list of worries 14 pages long id put that on the bottom of page 15
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W9AC

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Re: Using tree branch overhanging my property
« Reply #11 on: October 08, 2022, 08:02:53 PM »

I'm not a lawyer but I understand that if a neighbor's tree branch is hanging over/onto YOUR property, you have the green light to cut/trim it.

That's the general rule in arbor law.  However, each state has its own set of rules that are governed by state statute or case law.   

Paul, W9AC
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K0UA

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Re: Using tree branch overhanging my property
« Reply #12 on: October 09, 2022, 10:27:19 AM »

if i had a list of worries 14 pages long id put that on the bottom of page 15

That is kind of the way I was thinking. And the fact that the owner is unknown and not present and the house is totally unoccupied is just a bonus. I say use it. After all the branch is in your airspace.
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73  James K0UA

K5LXP

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Re: Using tree branch overhanging my property
« Reply #13 on: October 10, 2022, 05:19:53 AM »

We're talking about something along the lines of some paracord or mason line to hold a wire up?  Consider worst case - someone comes along and tells you to take it down.  You can decide from there how important it is to you to argue or leave it up.  Odds are high no one will care.  Forgiveness is always easier than permission, though in this case you would need neither. 

Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM
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KG4RUL

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Re: Using tree branch overhanging my property
« Reply #14 on: October 11, 2022, 03:14:13 AM »

...  Forgiveness is always easier than permission .....

Mark K5LXP
Albuquerque, NM

That attitude has landed more than one individual in court.  ;)
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