Impact of Fallen Leaves on Radials

[chrissim]

Hello:

In regards to a ground mounted vertical, how do leaves which have fallen from trees above impact the effectiveness of a ground radial system? In some areas, the leaves have bunched up a foot high. Anything to be concerned about?

Thanks!

 

[Ed_Seedhouse]

In regards to a ground mounted vertical, how do leaves which have fallen from trees above impact the effectiveness of a ground radial system? In some areas, the leaves have bunched up a foot high. Anything to be concerned about?

This should be dependent on the type of radials. if they are normally in contact with the ground or buried just under it leaves and grass should make no difference, especially if they are insulated wires. If the radials are raised then there should also be little or no difference as long as they remain in the clear. Branches caught up on the radials could make a difference. If your radials are a couple of feet off the ground tall grass growing up between them could affect performance as well. If it grows high enough to hide the antenna you have real trouble.

At least that's how I understand things. Anyone who knows better feel free to correct.

 

[WA0CBW]

As Ed said for the most part it won't make any difference. RF is absorbed by the vegetation in the area of the antenna and the radials. Vegetation has less effect on the radials than on the driven radiator. Radials present a "plane" to the RF signals. That "plane" could be a solid piece of metal like a pizza pan for very high frequencies or a mesh of many wires radiating tens of feet away from the antenna feed point.