Davey’s Evan Beck competes in an event within one of the SEED Campus’ trees. All photos courtesy of The Davey Tree Expert Company.

The Davey Tree Expert Company hosted the 2026 North American Tree Climbing Championship (NATCC) May 15 to 17 at its SEED Campus in Kent, Ohio, welcoming more than 1,000 visitors, more than 100 volunteers and 72 competitors for three days of competition, education and industry connection.

The annual event took place in Ohio for the first time this year. The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) partnered with the Ohio Chapter ISA and Davey Tree for the competition, which was held at Davey’s SEED (Science, Employee Education and Development) Campus, a nearly 200-acre site 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.”

Skilled tree climbers competed in five preliminary events: Aerial Rescue, Work Climb, Ascent, Belayed Speed Climb and Throwline. The events highlight skill, technique and athleticism while reinforcing the importance of safety and proper tree care. Competitors’ total scores from the five preliminary events determined which male and female climbers advanced to the Masters’ Challenge, where scores are based on technique and skill.

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

“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.”

Those recognized in connection with this year’s Masters’ Challenge included:

Women’s competitors
Anna Sonnenfeld, Ohio ISA Chapter
Aneesa Winn, Pacific Northwest ISA Chapter
Sarah Hood-Recant, Mid-Atlantic ISA Chapter

Men’s competitors
James Earhart, Mid-Atlantic ISA Chapter
Joe Wurzel, Western ISA Chapter
Valentin Brito, New England ISA Chapter
Jake Slade, New England ISA Chapter
Brady Paselk, Midwestern ISA Chapter

The winners of the 2026 NATCC will go on to compete in the 50th Annual International Tree Climbing Championship in St. Louis, Missouri.

The Davey Tree Expert Company provides research-driven tree services, grounds maintenance and environmental and utility infrastructure consulting for residential, utility, commercial and environmental partners in the U.S. and Canada.

NATCC competitors compete in a fun head-to-head challenge on Davey’s climbing structure during the Climbers’ Party held inside the SEED Campus building.