Members of Kings Park's arboriculture team competed and won places in the 2008 State Tree Climbing Competition recently.
Arboriculture today has become very technical with tools such as tree-mapping software and radar devices which detect root development underground. However, the old art of tree-climbing will always be an essential skill - as demonstrated by keen members of Kings Park's arboriculture team who competed in the 2008 State Tree Climbing Competition recently.
"There'll always be a need for professional tree-climbers working out of ropes and harnesses because often it's impossible to access a tree just with a cherry-picker", said senior Arborist, Jeremy Thomas.
Most States of Australia hold an annual competition in which the elite of the profession demonstrate the skills required for their work. This year our State competition attracted 15 competitors from Perth, all vying for the chance to compete at the national competition in Brisbane during May. Most States of Australia and New Zealand will be represented in Brisbane with the winning male and female invited to the world tree climbing competition in the USA later in the year.
Kings Park's tree surgeon, Jordan Glossop, and third year TAFE student trainee, Craig McSharer, placed 2nd and 8th respectively in the 2008 State Tree Climbing Competition. Jordan is invited to compete in Brisbane commencing 10 May 2008. Good luck Jordan and congratulations to both Craig and Jordan for their great efforts.