News

Actions

Utah’s top tree climbers come together to compete

Posted at 7:12 PM, Sep 20, 2014
and last updated 2014-09-20 21:12:49-04

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah’s best tree climbers put their skills to the test Saturday at the annual tree climbing championship.

The event is put on by the Utah Community Forest Council and the International Society of Arboriculture.

The contestants cut trees for a living, either with a city or a private company. There is a lot of skill required, but the main thing is always safety.

Jake Bleazard, Utah state tree climbing champion, spoke about the work.

“Arborist is one of the most dangerous jobs,” he said. “They say every four days a tree climber dies, so we have to keep safety in mind a hundred percent of the time.”

The masters challenge is a timed event that tests their ability to quickly, professionally and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work-related tree care tasks.

Utah’s champ will represent the state in March in the International Tree Climbing Championship in Tampa, Florida.