Stretching an arm beyond its physical length, the climber steadies their breath, another rung to propel them to the end of the limb. Every awkward pruning job, sketchy tree removal and seemingly endless summer heat has prepared them for this incredible moment to distinguish themselves amongst their peers. From dragging branches on the ground to swinging at the tree tops, the climbers have been prepping all year, and are now convening for the chance to be the best at their discipline, and claim that top spot in the climbing competition.
The trees in the Mid Atlantic region are diverse and come in many different shapes and sizes. They can grow over a 100 foot tall and just as wide, which lends to very skilled climbers that navigate their canopies on a daily basis. Because the demand for proper tree care remains high, there’s a chance these brave individuals will walk to the ends of the limbs to prune off the smallest piece of deadwood over your house. They baulk at the use of ladders, gawk at gas powered rope access devices and refer to bucket trucks as ‘sissy sticks.’ It’s a tough job, with stiff competition, which in turn can shake out world class competitors.
Truetimber’s very own Jeff Inman has won first place in this competition, then gone on to compete on the world stage. This was no easy feat, as he had to beat out other world class competitors in the process, many household names in the tree climbing industry. Jeff will be at it again this year, joined by his fellow arborist and apprentice Ross Metcalf. You might also recognize some of the sales team volunteering as judges, even yours truly on the ‘work climb’ event.
If you’ve never experienced it you’re in luck, as it’s coming up this weekend on April 18, with a masters challenge on the following day amongst the top 4 competitors. Every year it’s at a different location, though this year it will be held at James Madison’s Montpelier, a short drive from Richmond. There will be a barrage of strange folks there, as the tree industry has a fair share of eclectic individuals. It’s an unreal experience, a gathering of friendly faces and calamitous camaraderie, where gravity is seemingly checked at the door.
