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Tree climbing events are based on the daily working conditions of arborists. The sport is popular in the United States, Canada and Australia.

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A tree climbing competition consists of two rounds. The first round is the preliminary qualifying round which is followed by the master's challenge round to decide the winner of the championship.

All events that are part of the competition test the ability of competitors to professionally and safely climb the tree while also performing tree-care tasks in a timely manner.

The preliminary qualifying round consist of five events, which are,

• Aerial Rescue - Test ability to climb and safely bring down an injured climber.
• Work Climb - Test the ability to move a tree using rope and harness.
• Secured Footlock - Test vertical ascent on a specified path.
• Belayed Speed Climb - Test ability to climb using belayers.
• Throwline - Test for ability to place climbing lines on tall trees.

In each event, competitors individually work on the tasks against a clock. Each run is scored based on finish time and other factors. The climber with the highest score wins the event.

The score for all the five events combined is used to determine the competitors that will move on to the master's challenge round. The masters' challenge round consists of just one event and it evaluates the competitors based on overall productivity and skill with a rope and saddle in the tree.

An International Tree Climbing Championships is the highest level competition which is conducted annually.

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Similar Sports

• Pole Climbing — involves climbing very high wooden poles.
• Rope Climbing — competitors climb up a rope using their hands.
• Greasey Pole Climbing — attempting to climb a slippery pole for a prize at the end. [unusual]

Related Pages

• Complete list of sports
• The Encyclopedia of Sports