Wood Dale trees provide course for annual climbing competition

WOOD DALE – Professional tree climbers competed for the title of best climber in the Illinois Arborist Association’s Tree Climbing Championship on Saturday at Salt Creek Park in Wood Dale.

The event showcased the skills of 15 competitors as they completed different tasks up in the trees that are designed to simulate the working conditions professional arborists could encounter while out in the field.

Competitors performed five different preliminary events that tested their ability to quickly, professionally and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work-related tree-care tasks, according to an association news release.

The preliminary events included the work climb, aerial rescue, throwline, footlock and speed climb.

The three climbers who scored the highest during the preliminary competition competed in the Masters’ Challenge.

These arborists ncluded Beau Nagan, Jeremy Dunivan and Brandon Dobnick.

Nagan was named the Chapter Champion, and he will represent the Illinois Chapter at the International Tree Climbing Championships in March in Florida, according to the association’s website.

In addition to the competition, the Wood Dale event also featured exhibitors, food and other activities.

Davey Tree Expert Company and Kramer Tree Specialists Inc. sponsored the event, and ArborMaster donated the prizes.