Watching someone climb a tree is almost as fun and definitely safer than doing it yourself. That’s why you may want to head over to Kent on May 15-17 for the 2026 North American Tree Climbing Championship hosted by The Davey Tree Expert Company.
The free, three-day event features skilled tree climbers competing in five events: aerial rescue work, work climb, ascent, belayed speed climb and throwline. Not sure what those are? Neither do we, but it sounds exciting. The emphasis is not only on skill and althleticism but alsmo on safety and proper tree care, according to Davey Tree.
Along with family friendly activities and food trucks, the event includes an Arbor Fair with tree care companies, gear suppliers and others. Parking is at Davey’s corporate office at 1500 N. Mantua St. in Kent with free shuttles throughout the weekend to the company’s SEED campus nearby.
The event also includes an Arbor Fair featuring booths from tree care companies, industry sponsors and gear suppliers. Davey Tree SEED (Science, Employee Education and Development) Campus is nearly 200 acres dedicated to specialized training and research facilities.
This is the first time the event has been held in Ohio. This year is also the 25th anniversary of female climbers competing in NATCC and includes the most female climbers in the event’s history.
The schedule:
- Friday, May 15
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- 11 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Qualifying Events
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- 12 p.m. – 5 p.m. Arbor Fair
- Saturday, May 16
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- 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Qualifying Events
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- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Arbor Fair
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- 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Kids’ Activities
- Sunday, May 17
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- 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Masters’ Challenge
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- 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Arbor Fair
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- 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Kids’ Activities
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- 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Awards Ceremony
For more information about NATCC, visit itcc-isa.com, and for more information about the SEED Campus, visit Davey.com/SEED.
Photo credit: International Society of Arboriculture
