Tennessee Tree Climbing Championship

Climb logo

2013 Tree Climbing Championship

October 5
Lambuth College, Jackson

2012: Ellington Agricultural Center, Nashville
2011: Ellington Agricultural Center, Nashville
2010: East Lake Park, Chattanooga
2009: Centennial Park, Nashville
2008: Lakeview Park, Knoxville
2007: Memphis Botanic Garden, Memphis
2006: Hadley Park, Nashville
2005: Memphis Botanic Garden, Memphis
2004: Ellington Ag. Center, Nashville
2003: Warner Park, Chattanooga
2002: Centennial Park, Nashville
2001: Lake Shore Park, Knoxville
2000: Cheekwood Botanic Garden, Nashville
1999: Centennial Park, Nashville

tree climbTree Climb

The annual statewide competition conducted since 1999 promotes tree care professionalism and safety practices. Contestants compete in five preliminary events and the Master's Challenge for the state title, which includes a berth in the ISA Southern Tree Competition.

Equipment

Climbers must bring their own hardhat, eye protection, approved climbing saddle and safety lanyard, climbing line with locking snap or carabiner and handsaw with scabbard. Climbers may furnish their own throwlines, prusik loops or figure-8's, or use those supplied by the committee.

Events

Preliminary Events

Contestants compete in five preliminary events:

  • Throwline: Accurately and timely hit targets at 40, 50 and 60 feet with a weighted throwline and install climbing liners.
  • Belayed Speed Climb: A timed 60-foot climb into a tree with a belayed climbing line.
  • Secured Foot Lock: A timed 40-foot climb into the tree using a prusik loop and the footlock climbing technique.
  • Work Climb: Move throughout the crown of a tree and perform specified task in a timely manner.
  • Aerial Rescue: A simulated accident situation where the contestants must climb a tree to an "injured" worker, secure the victim and lower safely to the wound.

Master's Challenge

The top scorers of the preliminary events compete to determine the champion. The contestants must install a climbing line, complete simulated work events in the tree and return to the ground in a specified time limit. Contestants are judged on their knowledge of climbing techniques, use of equipment, safety, poise, continuity and overall productivity.