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Home2025 MI Tree Climbing Competition
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About the Event: 

The Michigan Tree Climbing Competition (MTCC) is a dynamic event that showcases the skill and professionalism of arborists while educating the public about modern tree care and climbing safety. Designed to raise awareness of the arboriculture field, the event also aims to inspire young people to explore careers in tree care and management.

The MTCC competitions simulate working conditions of arborists in the field. Male and female competitors perform five different events during preliminary rounds. Each event tests a competitor’s ability to professionally, and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work-related tree-care tasks in a timely manner.

Hosted by ISA Michigan, the event brings together the tree care community for education, networking, and fun. Top climbers compete for a chance to represent Michigan at regional and international competitions, making it a thrilling experience for both participants and spectators. 

Bring your friends and family—admission is free and all are welcome! 



Public Schedule
of Events		 Friday, September 19th
  • 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm     Belayed Speed Climb 
                                       This is the first of five competitive events

  • 5:30 pm – 5:45 pm     Ceremonial Tree Planting 
                                       Demonstration of correct tree planting techniques

Saturday, September 20th

  • 7:30 am-4:30 pm        Four competitive events running simultaneously
                                      - Aerial Rescue
                                      - Throwline
                                      - Ascent
                                      - Work Climb
  • 10:00 am- 3:00 pm     Arbor Fair 
                                      Tree and Arboriculture related vendors, many of which have hands-on activities for young people
  • 10:00 am – 3:00 pm   Kids Climb 
                                       Supervised hands-on tree climbing event with tree climbing equipment showing proper tree climbing techniques
  • 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm     World Record Ascent Event
  • 5:30 pm – 6:00 pm     Preliminary Awards at the Park

 

Sunday, September 22nd

  • 9:00 am – 11:30 am   Masters Challenge 
                                       This is the final round of the competition
  • 12:00 noon                   Final Awards

All times are approximate and subject to change
MTCC In the News





Photo Albums

MTCC Champion History
 Watch these videos to learn more about the Michigan Tree Climbing Competition. 

2024 MLive.com - Eyeing a World Record
2023 Michigan Tree Climbing Championship-Holland-WoodTV
2022 Michigan Tree Climbing Championship-Belle Isle-CBS News
2021 Michigan Tree Climbing Championship on Belle Isle-WDIV Channel 4
2019 Destination Michigan Video on MTCC

View photos from previous years events here.


Click MTCC Champion History to see who's been awarded the Champion since 1993!
Preliminary Qualifying Events Competitors are scored individually in each event: Aerial Rescue, Work Climb, Ascent, Belayed Speed Climb, and Throwline. The competitor with the highest score is the winner of that event. First, second, and third place for men and women are awarded for each event.

Competitors’ total scores for all six events are combined and the male and female competitors with the highest combined score from the preliminary events move on to the Masters’ Challenge Championship.
Free to the Public Spectators are welcomed, and this event is FREE and to the Public.  Family and friends of the MTCC competitors are also encouraged. Everyone may want to bring picnic baskets as there may not be food locations around the park. Climbers and volunteers receive a complimentary lunch, and they may purchase lunch tickets for their families during the registration process. 

 

MTCC is an outdoor event making use of the natural surroundings at the park for a unique experience.  Please dress for the weather, walking, and possible insects.  

Experience the Arbor Fair - a free public event for kids and adults offering up education on trees and industry equipment, as well as many other fun activities and exhibits!

Become a MTCC Sponsor
The Michigan Tree Climbing Championship is now open for Sponsorship and Arbor Fair registration! Whether you're looking to showcase your brand, network with peers, or support the advancement of arboriculture, this is your chance to be part of an unforgettable celebration of skill and community in Michigan’s urban forest canopy.

Click Here to Become a Sponsor/Exhibitor

Climber Details and Registration Information

Overview of MTCC for Climbers

The Climbing Competition is a 3-day event. Starting on Friday, September 19th, with gear check and the first preliminary event. Saturday, September 20th, will finish the preliminary events and announce the preliminary event awards recipients. The Masters Challenge is the final round and will be held on Sunday, September 21st from 9:00am-12:00pm.

For Climbers the MTCC Event:

  • Disseminates the latest techniques and safety practices in tree climbing
  • Brings together the ISA Michigan community for education, fun, and networking
  • Chooses winners in a competitive climbing event that will represent ISA Michigan in the North American Tree Climbing Competition and the International Tree Climbing Competition

Future Event Information

  • 2026 - Midland, MI - September 18-20
  • 2027 - September 17-19 Dates tentative and location TBA
Schedule for Climbers

Friday, September 19th

  • 7:30 am–8:15 am        Head Judges and Head Tech Meeting
  • 8:30 am–9:00 am        Volunteer Registration Tier I
  • 11:00 am–12:30 pm   Volunteer Registration Tier II
  • 12:30 pm-1:00 pm       Climber Check In
  • 1:00 pm-4:00 pm         Gear Inspection for All Events
  • 1:30 pm-2:15 pm         Mandatory First Timer Meeting
  • 2:15 pm – 4:30 pm      Belayed Speed Climb
                                           This is the first of five competitive events
  • 4:30 pm-5:30 pm         Mandatory Climber Walk Through
  • 5:30 pm–5:45 pm       Ceremonial Tree Planting
                                           Demonstration of correct tree planting techniques

Saturday, September 20th

  • 7:30 am-4:30 pm        Four competitive events running simultaneously

                                                  - Aerial Rescue

                                                  - Throwline

                                                  - Belayed Speed Climb

                                                  - Work Climb

  • 10:00 am-3:00 pm     Arbor Fair
                                         Tree and Arboriculture related vendors, many of which have hands-on activities for young people
  • 10:00 am–3:00 pm    Kids Climb
                                          Supervised hands-on tree climbing event with tree climbing equipment showing proper tree climbing techniques
  • 4:30 pm–5:30 pm      World Record Ascent Event
  • 5:30 pm –6:00 pm     Preliminary Awards Presentation at the Park

Sunday, September 22nd

  • 9:00 am–11:30 am    Masters Challenge
                                          This is the final round
  • 12:00 noon                  Final Awards Presentation

 

All times are approximate and subject to change

Climber Materials

Review the following forms for more information on the guidelines for competing.

Prize Package

ISA Michigan is excited to offer the 2025 ArborMaster® TCC Champion Prize Package at this year’s Michigan Tree Climbing Championship (MTCC). This package is designed to help equip & prepare MTCC the champion for the ISA International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC).

Each prize package includes:
- Silky’s Zubat Professional 330mm Hand Saw
- Buckingham MFG/ArborMaster® Outfitters Throttle
- Marlow Ropes 150 Ft Spliced Maverick 11.5 mm, 1 Rope bag, 1 Hat & 1 Buff
- DGP (Dynamic Green Products) 1 case of Pro 100 Series Bar & Chain Oil
- Greenworks Commercial Logo’ed Travel Coffee Mug
- OREGON® Professional Maintenance Kit & OREGON® Logo’ed Backpack
- ArborMaster® - 50% savings for a 2-Day, 3-Day or 5-Day Hands-On Training Modules

Climber and Volunteer Registration
Registration for volunteers and in-state climbers will open June 1st. Registration for out-of-state climbers will open on June 15th, if space is available.

2025 Michigan Tree Climbing Competition
Sponsors 


Gold Sponsor
Davey Logo

Gold Sponsor
MSU IAT Logo



Gold Sponsor

Aerial Rescue Competition Sponsor

Lewis Logo

2025 ArborMaster® TCC Champion
Prize Package