PARSIPPANY-TROY HILLS — Professional arborists from across New Jersey will put their climbing, rescue and tree-care skills to the test during the 2026 New Jersey Tree Climbing Competition, scheduled for Friday, June 12, and Saturday, June 13, at Central Park of Morris County, 1 Governor Chris Christie Drive, Greystone Park.
Hosted by the New Jersey Arborists Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture, the annual competition showcases the technical skills, safety practices and professionalism required in the arboriculture industry.
The event begins Friday with equipment inspections, followed by the Ascent and Belayed Speed Climb competitions. Participants will be timed and scored by volunteer judges using standards established for professional tree-climbing competitions.
Competition continues Saturday with the Aerial Rescue, Work Climb and Throwline events. These challenges test climbers’ ability to respond to emergency situations in trees, safely perform routine tree maintenance tasks and accurately place climbing lines.
Judges and administrators will score competitors across five preliminary events before determining the top performers who will advance to the Master’s Challenge, the final event of the competition.
Organizers said spectators are welcome to attend the family-friendly event, especially on Saturday when several competitions will take place throughout the park. Attendees will also have an opportunity to speak with a Licensed Tree Expert and an ISA Certified Arborist about tree care and the arboriculture profession.
The top male and female competitors from New Jersey will earn the title of 2026 New Jersey Tree Climbing Champion and the opportunity to represent the state at the International Tree Climbing Championship, scheduled for October in St. Louis.
Additional information is available through the New Jersey Arborists Chapter at njaisa.com.
