The City of San Luis Obispo, in partnership with the Western Chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (WCISA), is thrilled to welcome more than 35 of the West’s top professional tree climbers to Meadow Park on June 6–7, 2026, for the annual Western Chapter Tree Climbing Competition. 

This exciting, family‑friendly event will highlight the exceptional skills arborists use every day to care for and protect the urban forest. Competitors from across California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii will take part in a series of rigorous events that test speed, safety, and technical precision high in the tree canopy. The public is invited to attend; preliminary events begin at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday. 

A Celebration of Urban Forestry and Community Goals

Hosting this year’s competition at San Luis Obispo’s Meadow Park supports several key City Goals by bringing the community together to celebrate nature and the craft of arboriculture, boosting local economic activity as visitors travel from across the western United States, and promoting environmental stewardship. The event also highlights industry‑leading tree care practices that advance the City’s efforts to maintain a healthy, climate‑resilient community forest.

“Our community forest is one of San Luis Obispo’s most valuable natural resources,” said City of San Luis Obispo Arborist, Walter Gault. “We are proud to host an event that both educates the public and honors the professional tree workers who care for our community’s trees every day.”

About the Competition

Over the course of two days, climbers will complete five preliminary events that simulate real‑world arborist work:

• the Work Climb
• Aerial Rescue
• Belayed Speed Climb
• Throwline
• Ascent Event

The top five men and top five women will advance to Sunday’s Masters’ Challenge, where champions will be crowned and awarded the opportunity to represent the Western Chapter at the 50th Annual International Tree Climbing Championships (ITCC) in St. Louis, Missouri, on October 9–11, 2026.

In addition to the competition, attendees can explore exhibitor booths and learn about tree care, equipment, safety practices, and the long history of professional arboriculture in the western United States.

A Tradition Rooted in Safety and Excellence

The Western Chapter’s climbing competitions trace back to 1949 and have long emphasized professional development, innovation, and safe work practices within the tree care industry. What began as friendly rivalry among arborists has grown into a respected annual championship drawing participants and spectators from across the region.

Learn More

For event details, visit www.westernchaptertcc.com.

To learn more about the Western Chapter ISA and the profession of arboriculture, visit www.wcisa.net.

Media Contacts:

• City of San Luis Obispo: Walter Gault, City Arborist, wgault@slocity.org 
• Western Chapter ISA: Rose Epperson, Executive Director, 714‑264‑9793, repperson@wcisa.net 
• Local Contacts: Jared Abrojena, TCC Chair, 925‑584‑7449, jared@academy-trained.com 
• Chad Brey, 612‑719‑1965, treeclimbing@gmail.com