Tree Climbing Training
The bright sun pushes through the thick canopy of black walnut trees at Tree Trust, tinting an already beautiful fall day with orange hues. Tree Trust Branches participants excitedly gather around their trainers, ready to gear up and start climbing. Thanks to the support of the U.S. Forest Service through their Urban Connections program, Tree Trust can provide our participants with the necessary climbing equipment to explore one possible career path within the Arboriculture Industry from high up in the treetops.
Learning the Ropes
Professional arborists make climbing trees look easy. They quickly ascend to the tops of trees with skill and precision. Like any expert in their field, climbing arborists must hone their skills – learning how to use climbing gear safely and mastering different climbing techniques. Branches participants get the amazing opportunity to learn the ropes of tree climbing through hands-on experience with Tree Trust trainers. Guided one-on-one by their trainers, they learn how to use safety gear, conduct thorough equipment checks, and practice the basics of climbing.
Practicing Resilience
Branches trainer Antonio describes climbing day as a practice in resilience. “It is difficult, to the degree that no one does it perfectly on their first try. But the experience of success in climbing is so glorious and affirming, because you know that there is no way to cheat that feeling. You can only experience it through true effort, and there’s no substitute for it. When we take the time and effort to train a skill that requires patience, self-control, and constant critical thinking, we learn to trust that our bodies and minds are capable of truly astounding things. We carry that everywhere.”
Up, Up, and Away
Participant Reagan jumps up and down with excitement. This is her first climbing workshop, and she is eager to see how far she can climb. After getting a final gear check, she uses her legs as leverage to thrust her body upwards into the tree, climbing with both arms and legs. This technique, called body thrusting, is a climbing method that uses hip thrusts, not body weight, to climb up a tree. As Reagan climbs higher her fellow cohort members cheer her on.
A Collaborative Sp
irit
One by one, each participant takes a turn to gear up and practice their climbing technique. Arboriculture is collaborative by nature and seeing this spirit of teamwork shine through in participants makes their trainer’s day. Antonino shares, “When I see participants running in to help hold a rope or calling out hazards for each other it fills me with so much joy… Stewardship of each other’s success is exactly what I want people to learn and hold close to their hearts.”
Pathways to Careers
Arborists with tree climbing training are highly sought after and valued by employers. According to Antonio, “Climbers are born because of experiences like our climbing days. I have seen that one experience change people’s careers forever. There is a light in their eyes when they realize that they can make a career out of it.” Basic climbing techniques are the building blocks to earning climbing certifications important for career advancement in the arboriculture industry. As participants work on their resumes with their Employment Success Coaches and explore future job opportunities, this experience will give them a competitive advantage.
Tree Trust’s Branches Program offers paid training to young adults who want to explore the family-supporting career path of arboriculture. Each climb builds confidence and technical skill, allowing participants to practice the techniques needed to succeed as professional arborists. For a behind-the-scenes look at our most recent climbing day, you can view our climbing day video here.
