Highest level of competition

A NATIONAL tree-climbing competition returns to Hobart today for top arborists to show off their skills scaling some of the city’s well-loved trees.

The Australian Tree Climbing Championships will be held in St David’s Park today and tomorrow, with about 20 climbers from around the country to take part.

Former competitor Joe Harris, who helped prepare the course, said the competition would include a simulated rescue and more athletic events.

“There’s a bell up at 28m at the top of one of the sequoias ... you get timed on how quickly you can get up there,” Mr Harris said.

He said the competition was designed to test the skills arborists used every day.

Arboriculture Australia chairman Craig Hallam, one of the event organisers, said five preliminary events would be held today and the final would be held tomorrow.

The top male and top female competitor will represent Australia at the international championships in the US in September.

Members of the public are welcome to watch the competition, which will use six trees in the park.

“They can come along and talk to the competitors and get an understanding of what they’re doing,” Mr Hallam said.

St David’s Park last hosted the competition in 2012.