Pro tree climbers to compete at Kent's Davey Tree SEED Campus

[ASFN Admin]

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The Davey Tree Expert Co. in Kent will host the 2026 North American Tree Climbing Championship at its new Science, Employee Education and Development Campus between May 15 and 17. This is the event's first time in Ohio.

The event will include competitions, food trucks and family-friendly activities.

Tree climbers will compete in five events, including aerial rescue, work climb, ascent, belayed speed climb and throwline, which highlight skill, technique and athleticism while reinforcing the importance of safety and proper tree care, according to a news release from Davey.

The event also includes an Arbor Fair featuring booths from tree care companies, industry sponsors and gear suppliers, along with food trucks from Moonstone Coffee Works, Brooks Homestyle BBQ, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, Southern Comfort Kitchen and Roll Call Burgers and Fries.

Parking will be at Davey’s corporate office at 1500 N. Mantua St., with free shuttles to the nearby SEED Campus.

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Tree climbing championship events​

Friday, May 15

11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Qualifying events.

Noon – 5 p.m. Arbor Fair.

Saturday, May 16

8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Qualifying events.

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Arbor Fair.

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Children's activities.

Sunday, May 17

9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Masters Challenge.

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Arbor Fair.

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Children's activities.

5 – 6 p.m. Awards ceremony.

The International Society of Arboriculture is partnering with the Ohio Chapter ISA and Davey Tree for the event. The Davey Tree SEED Campus is nearly 200 acres dedicated to specialized training and research facilities.

“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," said Pat Covey, chairman, president and CEO of Davey Tree.

What is the Masters Challenge at the Tree Climbing Championship?​

This year is also the 25th anniversary of female climbers competing in NATCC and includes the most female climbers in the event’s history.

First, second and third places will be awarded for both men and women in each event. The competitors' total scores for all five events are then combined, and the male and female competitors with the highest combined score from the preliminary events move on to the Masters Challenge.

The Masters Challenge consists of one event with scores based on technique and skill. The competitors in this round with the highest score are named the male and female NATCC Champions. The winners of the 2026 NATCC will go on to compete in the 50th annual International Tree Climbing Championship in St. Louis.

For details about NATCC, visit itcc-isa.com, and for more information about the SEED Campus, visit Davey.com/SEED.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Davey Tree to host tree-climbing competition at its new SEED Campus

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