Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Physics, Astronomy & Cosmology => Topic started by: Robert & Jean Frazer on 06/08/2010 13:30:02

Title: Do phone masts affect trees?
Post by: Robert & Jean Frazer on 06/08/2010 13:30:02
Robert & Jean Frazer  asked the Naked Scientists:
   
On our golf course we have two cell phone masts disguised as trees. The surrounding trees are all dying; surely this is proof that the radiation is dangerous?

VG programme

Regards
Robert      

What do you think?
Title: Do phone masts affect trees?
Post by: Vern on 06/08/2010 16:33:00
One observation of dying trees close to a cell tower doesn't mean much without other observations of other towers. There are enough cell towers around to test your tree-killing hypothesis. If all trees around cell towers die, then you might have something.
Title: Do phone masts affect trees?
Post by: syhprum on 06/08/2010 18:38:40
The only effect radio mast could have on trees would be if they shaded them and reduced the light or if they affected the amount of rain they received or if roots were cut when they were installed.
The small amount of low energy electromagnetic radiation would have no effect
Title: Do phone masts affect trees?
Post by: Geezer on 06/08/2010 20:43:15
I think it proves that the golfers can't keep their shots on the fairways  [;D]
Title: Do phone masts affect trees?
Post by: tommya300 on 07/08/2010 03:44:10
I think it proves that the golfers can't keep their shots on the fairways  [;D]

Golf is a sport for the Elite. In order to maintain integrate you find that tree in the rough with the secret carved door to hold Drambuie Scotch for the drive to the fairway. What's Golf without a shot of rough scotch .
.
Title: Do phone masts affect trees?
Post by: syhprum on 07/08/2010 20:16:57
Although Drambuie is not to my taste it is a very smooth whisky based concoction and can in no way be described as 'rough scotch'.
Title: Do phone masts affect trees?
Post by: tommya300 on 07/08/2010 22:23:29
Although Drambuie is not to my taste it is a very smooth whisky based concoction and can in no way be described as 'rough scotch'.

Ah yes I agree that is a fairway of putting it on the green, but drinking from a bottle behind the the tree is drinking a bit rough. (the act of drinking that is) Top of the barrel brew. The rustier the nail the better the faster it disappears
That is all past tense for me
Title: Do phone masts affect trees?
Post by: FuzzyUK on 12/08/2010 07:39:32
Quote
On our golf course we have two cell phone masts disguised as trees. The surrounding trees are all dying; surely this is proof that the radiation is dangerous?

The mast foundations might have damaged the tree roots if they are near enough. Roots can spread as much sideways in the soil as the height of the tree.