The North American Tree Climbing Championship Comes to Kent

Kent, Ohio – The 2026 North American Tree Climbing Championship (NATCC) is coming to Kent, Ohio, May 15–17, as The Davey Tree Expert Company hosts the free, three-day competition at its new SEED Campus with competition viewing, food trucks and family friendly activities. 

Skilled tree climbers will compete in five events throughout the weekend, including Aerial Rescue, Work Climb, Ascent, Belayed Speed Climb and Throwline, which highlight skill, technique and athleticism while reinforcing the critical importance of safety and proper tree care.  

The event also includes an Arbor Fair featuring booths from tree care companies, industry sponsors and gear suppliers, along with a selection of food trucks from Moonstone Coffee Works, Brooks Homestyle BBQ, Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee Truck, Southern Comfort Kitchen and Roll Call Burgers and Fries. Free restrooms will be provided, and parking will be at Davey’s corporate office at 1500 N. Mantua St. in Kent, with free shuttles to the SEED Campus. 

This annual event is held across the continent, with Kent, Ohio, and The Davey Tree Expert Company being selected to host the event this year. This is the first year the event will be held in Ohio.  

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is partnering with the Ohio Chapter ISA and The Davey Tree Expert Company for the event. The Davey Tree SEED (Science, Employee Education and Development) Campus is nearly 200 acres dedicated to specialized training and research facilities.  

“As proud ISA partners, Davey is thrilled to be hosting the 2026 North American Tree Climbing Championship at our Kent, Ohio, campus,” said Pat Covey, chairman, president and CEO of Davey Tree. “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.” 

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, Missouri. 

“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,” said Caitlyn Pollihan, ISA CEO and executive director. “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.” 

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