Global Tree Climbing Championships: Showcasing Skills and Innovation in Arboriculture

For many years, T&D World has covered the International Lineman's Rodeo week, which allows lineworkers to participate in the hurt man rescue, pole ciimb and other events. In the world of utility vegetation management, arborists also have the opportunity to showcase their skills in the Tree Climbing Championships.

The International Society of Arboriculture hosts these events worldwide to bring together the best professional tree climbers from across the region and world to showcase new climbing techniques and equipment. The events are free and open to the public. 

In February 2026, the ISA partnered with the Thai Arboriculture Association to host the 2026 Asia-Pacific Tree Climbing Championships (APTCC) for the first time in Bangkok, Thailand. 

“As APTCC brings together climbers from different cultures and backgrounds, it makes the competition more exciting; this is the place where we blend and share the latest techniques, skills and knowledge in tree climbing,” APTCC Committee Chair Saifful Pathil said “APTCC is competitive and at the same time shares the same goal, to level up safety in the arboriculture industry. You will see tremendous people in the trees.”

The live competition events were modeled after real-world tree work, such as Aerial Rescue, Work Climb, Ascent, Belayed Speed Climb, and Throwline. These events demonstrated skill, technique and athleticism while emphasizing safety and proper tree care. 

In May, the North American Tree Climbing Championship will take place at The Davey Tree Expert Company’s new Science, Employee Education and Development (SEED) Campus. The event is organized by the ISA, the Ohio Chapter ISA and The Davey Tree Expert Company. 

The campus spans nearly 200 acres and is dedicated to specialized training and research facilities. 

“Davey Tree has been a longstanding Gold Canopy Partner with ISA, and we are so excited to partner with them through one of our Tree Climbing Championships,” ISA CEO and Executive Director Caitlyn Pollihan said. “We appreciate Davey’s generosity in opening up the SEED Campus for the 2026 North American Tree Climbing Championship, and we look forward to promoting arboriculture through this competitive and educational platform.”

The SEED Campus opened in the summer of 2025, and the facilities include a 70,000-sq-ft training center with new classrooms, laboratories, offices, an event center, and a 10,700- square-foot indoor, at-height climbing training center. Research opportunities on campus include a 35-acre dedicated tree research area, as well as environmental research at an on-campus bog, solar panels, golf turf, and more.

“As proud ISA partners, Davey is thrilled to be hosting the 2026 North American Tree Climbing Championship at our Kent, Ohio, campus,” Chairman, president and CEO Pat Covey at Davey Tree said. “Our new SEED Campus was built to revolutionize training and research in the industry, and we’re looking forward to welcoming ISA members and the public to experience it firsthand. ISA continues to be a driving force for growth and excellence in arboriculture, and we’re proud to support its mission.”

For more information, visit the ISA website.