Matt Logan: Judge of the Ontario Tree Climbing Championship

When you hear “tree climbing championship” you might conjure up quite an interesting picture in your mind. However, this championship is serious business for many men and woman working in the tree care industry  across the province. The tree climbing championship occurs once a year and tests  approximately 30 competitors in five arboriculture techniques. Each of these techniques are used daily by climbing arborists and the ability to do them safely and efficiently is important. There are no spurs or bucket trucks used, only skill and strength.  Each year one male and one female Ontario champion go on to compete in the International tree climbing championship with top arborists from around the world.

Born and raised in Lakefield, Matt Logan, owner and operator of Logan Tree Experts (a tree care service operating in the Kawartha region) has been involved in the Ontario tree climbing championship for many years as both a competitor and a judge. Matt’s knowledge and experience of the arboriculture industry has now lead him to his newly appointed position of overall head judge of the Ontario championship. As a head judge, Matt will be responsible for supervising the overall safety of the competition and making the final rulings on issues related to equipment and procedure.

“It was an honour to be selected as head judge. I believe the competition is an excellent way for the Arboriculture industry to promote itself and educate the public on what it is and what it is about: the art and science of tree care.”

In addition to operating Logan Tree Experts and judging the championships both provincially and internationally, Matt is also  a certified trainer for Arboriculture Canada Training and  Education and travels across Canada to train in arboriculture techniques and chainsaw safety. He is also a columnist for Ontario Arborist, an Arboriculture trade magazine and an instructor in the Arboriculture program at Humber College.

If you’re interested in watching this year’s Ontario tree climbing championship come to Lake Ontario Park in Kingston on September 14th.  For more information, you can visit the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) website at www.isaontario.com.