2026 Kentucky Tree Climbing Championship (KYTCC)

Coming October 23 - 24, 2026 Woodland Park, 601 E High St, Lexington, KY 40502, In-State Climber Tickets on Sale Now!, Out-of-State 09/11/2026

Experience the Thrill of the Treetops!
Watch elite arborists go head-to-head in a high-energy showcase of skill, speed, and safety at our Tree Climbing Competition. These action-packed events simulate real-world challenges faced by tree care professionals, with male and female competitors tackling five intense preliminary rounds. Each event tests their ability to climb, maneuver, and perform essential tree work—all while racing against the clock. The best of the best will advance to the championship round. It's tree care like you've never seen it before!

NOTE! All participants (Climbers, Volunteers, Sponsors and Exhibitors) need to register on-line along with filling out the Participation Waiver. Please bring your ticket with the QR Code (paper ticket or phone) for check-in.

Click this link to fill out a Participation Waiver and register for a FREE T-shirt: Participation Waiver

Please print and bring your ticket to our event!

2026 KYTCC SCHEDULE

October 23-24, 2026

Lexington Parks

For Gold, Silver, Bronze Sponsorships or Exhibitor Booth go to "Get Tickets" or call (330-307-8651) or email info@ky-isa.org.

ATTENTION: All Climbers and Volunteers, please use the link above to access the Participation Waiver that needs to be filled out prior to the competition.

Link: Participation Waiver

2026 KYTCC SCHEDULE

October 22, 2026

Woodland Park, Lexington, KY

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

9:00 am: Event set-up and Tree Pruning

1:00 pm: Lunch and Judges Meeting

Lunch provided for Volunteers

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2026

7:30 am: Volunteer Roll Call/Meeting

7:45 am - 2:00 pm: Site set-up

3:00 pm: Mandatory Climber Check-in

3:00 pm: Mandatory Climber Gear Check

3:30 pm: Belayed Speed Climb

6:00-7:15 pm: Events walk-thru

Lunch provided for Volunteers

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2026

7:00 am: Volunteers to Events

7:30 am: Climber Roll call

8:00 am: Climbers to first event

7:45 am - 1:00 pm: Preliminary Events begin

2:00 pm: Master’s Challenge Begins

7:00 pm: Awards Ceremony… Pizza!

Lunch provided for Volunteers and Competitors

NOTE: All times are approximate.

Please be sure to check out our Exhibitors Booths & Kids’ Climb!!!

FOR SPONSORSHIP SEE: corypetry@gmail.com or Bonnie Burnick at info@ky-isa.org . Credit Card and VENMO available!

ACCOMMODATIONS: Coming Soon!
Hotels -TBD

Participation Waiver

Contact the host of 2026 Kentucky Arborists' Association Tree Climbing Championship (KYTCC)