IAA Tree Climbing Championship



IAA Tree Climbing Championship

May 31st & June 1st, 2025
Start Time: TBD
Location: Herrick Lake in DuPage County Forest Preserve – Butterfield Rd, Wheaton, IL 60189

Things to do –

– Tree Climbing Championship
– Arbor Fair
– Kids Coloring Contest & Free Treat for ALL Kids!
– Free Lunch – Donations Support the Tree Fund

Need to locate a Certified Arborist to help you with your trees?

This FREE event is organized by the Illinois Arborist Association and is open to the public to showcase arborists in action and help educate the community about professional tree work. The competition provides an educational opportunity for tree climbing arborists to demonstrate and learn new climbing techniques, interact with other competitors, and provide public exposure for the profession.

As arborists, our work tends to draw the attention of the neighborhood with the heavy equipment and the professional tree climbers making their way through the crown of a tree while pruning or carrying out other services on a tree.

Rather than waiting for that opportunity to be in your neighborhood, come check out the best climbers in Illinois compete for the IAA Tree Climbing Championship! The event runs throughout both days until each event is completed, come anytime and enjoy free family fun, getting outside and watching professional tree climbers compete. Check out the Arbor Fair and meet local arborists, non-profits, schools and more and what they are doing to enhance our urban forest and communities! The Arbor Fair which runs simultaneously, provides additional opportunities for the public to learn about the benefits of trees through educational display and interactive activities for children and adults. It is important for the public to understand that safe proper tree care requires knowledge, training, and expertise which is why most tree care tasks should only be performed by professionals.

Think you have what it takes to compete? Check out the Competitors page, if not, just join for fun and learn about arboriculture what you can do in your community!

Join the IAA at our annual Tree Climbing Championship and display your services, products or equipment to local arborists. This is an excellent opportunity to speak to industry professionals and the public to promote your business and help educate the community on arboriculture.

Attendees can setup a tent or table, enjoy the event while interacting with industry colleagues, clients and the general public. Join us in helping promote the benefits of arboriculture and healthy urban forests!


Introducing the 2025 Competitors!

RichardArchila
AndrewBarnardEdwards Tree and Land Clearing
KatieBeckerVillage of Homewood
LibbyBowerDavey Tree
DanaBrelowskiDavey Tree
ColinDe LarmeR.W. Hendricksen Co.
SpencerDu PlessisSuper Tree LLC
GraceEhlingerChicago Park District
EddieFermosoDavey
SamuelFincoThe Arborist LLC
KatieFlemingOpenlands
ManuGamezTMA
FabianGasca-GaytonKramer Tree Specialists
AndrewGollnickGollnick & Sons Tree Service
LuisHernandez Davey Tree Expert
CodyHogwoodArbor Logistics
CameronHughesJasper at heights
MontrellJordanDavey Tree
AlexJuliusThe Davey Tree Expert Company
PatrickKelschCantigny Park
AbdonLeon-EspinosaBartlett Arborist Supply
DavidLoatsUrban Arboriculture
LisaMendeCantigny Park
AaronMoritDavey Tree Exeperts
BeauNaganCantigny Foundation
PhillipProhaskaForest Preserves of Cook County
ChantzPuckettR.W. Hendricksen Co.
PhilRethCantigny Foundation
IsacRosenberryEarthworks Outdoor
MariahSachsPro Tree
RyanSamsDavey Tree
DanielSancenDavey Tree Expert
JoseSanchezProgressive Tree Service
SamSapytaDavey Tree Expert
CodySchwartzDavey
LoganStineA&S Tree Care
BradleyYagerWoodland Tree Care