The Prairie Chapter Tree Climbing Competition
August 21-23, 2026
Kildonen Park, 2015 Main St.
The Prairie Chapter Tree Climbing Competition is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of skill, safety, and camaraderie in the arboriculture industry. Each year, we bring together climbers, arborists, and enthusiasts from across the prairies to showcase their talents, share knowledge, and connect with like-minded professionals.
Preliminary Qualifying Events
Tree climbing competitions simulate the working conditions of arborists in the field. Competitors perform in five events during preliminary rounds to qualify for the Masters Challenge. Each event tests a competitor’s ability to professionally and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work-related tree-care tasks in a timely manner.
Competitors will be judged by their speed of ascension, agility and accuracy.
- Work Climb: Contestants climb to five stations in a tree, performing a different task at each station.
- Aerial Rescue: Contestants reach and safely lower an injured climber (actually a life-sized mannequin).
- Throwline: Tests contestants’ ability to accurately place lines 30 – 60 feet up in a tree.
- Belayed Speed Climb: Contestants ascend a predetermined route from ground to about 60 feet.
- Ascent Event: Measures climber’s ability to perform a 50 foot vertical ascent.
The competitor with the highest score is the winner of that event. First, second, and third place for men and women are awarded for each event.
Competitors’ total scores for all five events are combined and the male and female competitors with the highest combined score from the preliminary events move on to the Masters’ Challenge.
Master's Challenge
The Masters’ Challenge event is the championship round of the competition and is designed to judge the contestant’s overall productivity and skill with a rope and saddle in the tree. The stations are similar to the Work Climb Event stations.
The winners of the Masters’ Challenge are named Prairie Chapter Tree Climbing Champions and move on to represent the Prairie Chapter at the International Tree Climbing Competition hosted by the International Society of Arboriculture.
Schedule of Events
Friday, August 21, 2026
- Climber check-in, equipment check, and Aerial Rescue event workshop.
- Event orientation.
- Belayed Speed Climb event.
Saturday, August 22, 2026
- 4 remaining preliminary events followed by supper and presentation of preliminary awards. Competitors who qualified for the Masters’ Challenge will be announced.
Sunday, August 23, 2026
- Masters Challenge Competition followed by the event volunteer & sponsor recognition and awards ceremony where the Prairie Chapter Tree Climbing Champions will be announced.
Become a Sponsor
Why Sponsor?
By becoming a sponsor, you’ll not only support the growth of this vital industry but also gain exposure to a dedicated audience of professionals who value innovation and excellence in arboriculture.
Your sponsorship will directly contribute to the success of the competition by supporting logistics, awards, training, and outreach. Together, we can continue to grow this exciting event and nurture the next generation of tree care professionals.
Join us Today!
Let’s climb higher together—support the Prairie Chapter Tree Climbing Competition and leave a lasting mark on the arboriculture community!
Become a Volunteer
Join us to make this exciting event a success! We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to:
Assist with event setup and takedown.
Support competitors and judges.
Help manage logistics and engage attendees.
No experience needed—just a passion for trees and community.
*Volunteers at the TCC will receive a 20% discount code for the Annual Conference & Tradeshow in October!
Join us Today!
Registration
- $120 – ISA Prairie Chapter Member
*Climbers must have a valid individual Prairie Chapter Membership to compete. Working for an organization or an individual who is a member does not qualify. Membership can be purchased at time of registration.
**Competitors from out of chapter or the chapter’s geographic region are welcome to compete in the preliminary events but cannot compete in the Master’s Challenge.
NEW FOR 2026
- Registration will open July 1, 2026, at 8 am MST.
- There are 12 spots reserved for women’s competition until July 3, 2026, at 8 am MST at which time the remaining spots will be open to everyone.
- Out of Chapter Competitors will be put on a waitlist and will be contacted if the event is not sold out to chapter members by July 8, 2026.
*Competition limited to the first 44 paid registrations. Registration closes August 17, 2026.
Additional Info
CLIMBERS: Be sure you have downloaded, filled out and printed the TCC Gear Check Form prior to attending the event. You must bring this form with you. Also please read through our Gear Check FAQ Sheet so you know what to expect when you arrive.
Results
*This section is under construction. Thank you for your patience.
Thank You to Our 2026 Sponsors!
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
SILVER SPONSORS
BRONZE SPONSORS
