Topic: Anemometers - Anyone have one installed in a tree?

[skysummit]

We just moved into a new neighborhood and the Homeowner's Association is very strict.  I do not believe they'll allow me to mount my anemometer like I'd want it.  There are some pretty tall trees nearby though.  I was thinking about putting my anemometer as high as I could into one of these pine trees.  I have a relative who's a tree climber that could do it for me.  Maybe like 30 - 40' or so.  I could go as high as 100' if I wanted. 

Has anyone done this before? My thermo/hydro sensor is mounted in the perfect spot and my rain gauge will not be a problem.  The anemometer is the only thing left.

[SlowModem]

We just moved into a new neighborhood and the Homeowner's Association is very strict.  I do not believe they'll allow me to mount my anemometer like I'd want it.  There are some pretty tall trees nearby though.  I was thinking about putting my anemometer as high as I could into one of these pine trees.  I have a relative who's a tree climber that could do it for me.  Maybe like 30 - 40' or so.  I could go as high as 100' if I wanted. 

Has anyone done this before? My thermo/hydro sensor is mounted in the perfect spot and my rain gauge will not be a problem.  The anemometer is the only thing left.

If the tree sways in the wind, it would probably affect the direction reading.  It could also require a lot of wire to reach the top of the tree.  And the risk for lightning striking would be increased, I would think.  Not trying to be negative, just a few thoughts off the top of my head.

[tbern]

do they allow a person to display the american flag? if so mount the anemometer on top of the flag pole.

[skysummit]

do they allow a person to display the american flag? if so mount the anemometer on top of the flag pole.

ooooh...now there's an idea!  I will have to find out about that one though b/c they may have limitations (allowed to display the American flag, but not on a permanent flag pole, etc).

[ocala]

Scott you can't mount it on the roof or the side of the house?

[4wd]

When CB radio was more popular it was an option to mount a home antenna in a nearby tree as an unobtrusive way to get good height.
You'd need to attach some sort of mounting pole on a substantial part of the tree to avoid movement as far as possible - and that needs doing with care if not to damage it.
It sounds a bit unrealistic unless no other option, although there would be situations where it might work well.
An old tree with few live boughs might offer more exposed attachment points and move less in strong winds.
Something young, leafy and whippy probably will be hopeless!

[jonkjon]

Something young, leafy and whippy probably will be hopeless!

I wonder if that's where the term "Young whipper snapper" came from........

[stevebrtx]

I would think it will skew your readings. I have mine as high on a pole on the roof as I can, but I also have two huge Jacaranda trees about 25' to the W of the instruments and I've never recorded more than 30mph yet I've seen it move chaise lounges and chairs into a pile at the end of the deck during the stormy season.

[jonkjon]

I think that I read that the recommended height (by NOAA in the U.S.) was 10 meters. Is that right?

[SlowModem]

I think that I read that the recommended height (by NOAA in the U.S.) was 10 meters. Is that right?

Here's everything you ever wanted to know about sensors and placements (and then some):

http://home.comcast.net/~dshelms/CWOP_Guide.pdf

[skysummit]

From what I understand, it looks like I can mount it to a rear corner of my home.  Really no matter where it goes, I will run into the same problem....very tall pine trees about 30 - 40' to my south.  I'm going to try and get it up to about 30 feet or so.  All other directions are pretty much wide open.  Right now it's about 7 feet off the ground tied to a tree.  I put it there to make sure the sensor still worked after not having it in service for a few months.  Oddly enough, even at that height it was reading winds pretty accurate to what the local NWS station about 4 miles away was reading.

So once I get a spare day or two, I'll try to mount everything in its permanent location.  When I do, I'll post pictures.

(jonkjon......yes, the recommended height for an anemometer is 10 meters, or 33 feet)