Here's a thread that may help yopu on the grounding issue:
http://forum.tvfool.com/showthread.php?t=901
I would expect the ridge to your north to be incorporated in your TVFool report. It is important that the horizon to the north is not blocked by buildings and trees. Locating the antenna mast on the south side of your house shouldn't matter as long as there is clear air to the north horizon.