I started out with a Hustler 5BTV vertical antenna and wasn't getting the results I thought I should, so I borrowed a Butternut and then the fun started. I noticed a big difference in receive but had SWR problems. Here was my solution. Rip out the yard & some dirt. Lay down Chicken wire everywhere.

I Coupled it together with several lead U-bolts.

I then topped it off by placing sod over the wire & putting in a 10' ground rod that I connected the cables to from each of the chicken wires.  I even have the chicken wire under the patio concrete.

After it was all said and done, I now hear much better and on most bands I have a good match and you can usually catch me on 160 meters in the evenings, yes 160 on a butternut that's not designed for 160? I hope hams that live in a restricted area can use this tactic to still enjoy our right to be a ham whether our CC&R folks think so or not. This system would also work well with a screwdriver antenna like the Scorpion. That is my next antenna to replace the butternut.

73's

KE6RYZ