We’re often asked can tree affect satellite signals?
If you regularly encounter signal loss from your satellite television then you might be one of the many homeowners whose trees are interfering with their reception.
Trees can influence the signal quality a satellite receives and this is especially strong in spring and summer when trees are in full leaf or when it is windy and rainy.
On the rise
The problem has become much more common now as a result of increased use of digital stations and the replacement of analogue television.
If your trees are affecting your signal strength, then usually it’s a simple problem to fix. A tree surgeon will be able to come out and trim the branches so that the signal path is clear again. This might may need to be a repeated job as trees can grow very quickly.
The problem becomes trickier when the tree which is affecting your satellite signal is owned by someone else, such as your next door neighbour or the local authority (if your house is adjacent to public land).
Legally, there is no obligation for an individual or a public organisation to rectify loss of television or radio service as a result of trees. Similarly, signal interference is not defined as a ‘nuisance’ in British law.
The television licence UK homeowner’s pay for is a legal permit to operate a television receiver – it does not offer a legal right to receive a reception.
If you are suffering persistent loss of satellite signal, make sure you evaluate all possible causes before blaming your neighbour’s trees. It is possible there is a fault with the aerial or the installation itself is defective. An approved installer will be able to help you determine the cause of the signal loss and ensure the satellite is in the best possible position to provide a strong signal.
Where an issue with trees is confirmed, the installer might recommend moving the satellite dish to another part of the property or the use of boosters and amplifiers to increase signal strength. Pruning might also be an alternative but if your neighbour owns the tree then it is advisable to get a written letter from the installer explaining the problem.
In this situation, homeowners are advised to approach the third party and discuss the issues relating to the loss of television reception. It is important to remember, however, that any remedial works must be mutually agreed – the third party is under no legal obligation to undertake or accept any works to resolve the problem or pay for them.
It is in the interests of the individual whose satellite signal is being lost to approach the problem in a fair and honest way to achieve an amicable solution. Disputes between neighbours’ are commonplace when it comes to trees and hedging and can last for several years. This situation can sometimes be avoided by taking a fair and friendly approach and discussing the issues logically.
A simple check
I hope this has answered any queries from customers who have wondered whether their loss of signal could be the result of tree interference. A simple check by a tree surgeon – or an approved installer – will be able to determine the cause and recommend a solution.
