Live Tree Demos

Kate Odell, CTSP, Apical Arboriculture

Though every climb is different and calls for different approaches and techniques, in this presentation, Kate will demonstrate her preferred climbing system, that can seamlessly and safety transition an SRS (Single/Stationary Rope System) accent system into an MRS (Moving Rope System) working system. Using minimal gear and a climbing system that is suitable for both SRS and MRS, you will learn how to build a system that can, after an SRS accent, be converted into an MRS system in mere seconds, without ever disconnecting from your main climbing line.

Biography

Odell, Kate, CTSP – Apical Arboriculture
Kate has been in the tree care industry for over 10 years and is a TCIA Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP), with extensive experience in all aspects of what arboriculture has to offer, including climbing, plant healthcare, sales, management, and more. She currently owns and operates her own business, Apical Arboriculture, out of Peterborough New Hampshire, and specializes in low impact, preservation tree care. Kate is also a Lead Instructor for the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop, training people across the country how to climb trees, operate chainsaws, and perform aerial rescues safely, confidently, and efficiently, in a patient and intentional learning environment.

Ashley Fox, CTSP, City of Aurora
Diversity within the tree care industry fosters innovation and creativity on the job site. Every climber brings a unique set of strengths, challenges, and perspectives. This presentation celebrates the diversity of climbers’ shapes, sizes, and styles by offering practical tips to accommodate individual physiology and climbing preferences. Ashley will address common obstacles climbers face—such as endurance, differences in muscle composition, and body mechanics—and provide creative solutions to overcome them. Working from the belief that every task has multiple paths to success, this session will demonstrate how to adapt climbing techniques and workflows to suit your body’s needs. Topics will include gear selection, wardrobe considerations, and nutrition strategies, with live demonstrations of ascent techniques, mechanical advantage systems, and system setups tailored to different physiques. Whether you’re adjusting to your own unique physiology or supporting a diverse team, this presentation will empower you to approach challenges with confidence and adaptability.

Biography

Fox, Ashley, CTSP – City of Aurora
Ashley Fox is a dedicated arborist and passionate advocate for safety and education in the tree care industry. A graduate of Sewanee: The University of the South (Class of 2019) with departmental honors in Natural Resources, Ashley began her career in arboriculture in 2020 through an apprenticeship with a Colorado municipality. Since starting as a tree climbing trainee in September 2020, Ashley has achieved several professional certifications, including Arborist Apprentice Journeyworker, Certified Arborist, Certified Tree Climber Specialist, and Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP). She is also a 200-hour certified yoga instructor and has participated in multiple climbing competitions. Ashley is currently a municipal arborist and an instructor for the Arborist Apprentice Journeyworker Program through Front Range Community College, teaching tree biology and climbing techniques. Her passions include fostering a strong safety culture, exploring innovative climbing gear, connecting with fellow arborists, and traveling for both professional growth and personal connections.

Matt Bass, CTSP, SavATree and Jim Tough, SavATree
Matt will give several examples of SRS (stationary rope system) canopy anchors. Starting with a basic canopy anchor utilizing an alpine butterfly and a climbing rope. Then the presentation will incorporate hardware such as rings and friction savers for more advanced anchoring options. He’ll also include a pre climb inspection and anchor selection.

Biography

Bass, Matthew, CTSP – SavATree
Matt has been in the tree care industry for 26 years and with SavATree for four years. He has been the District Trainer for three years and enjoys teaching the knowledge that he has gained from people in the tree care industry. SRS systems have been his favorite aspect of tree climbing. He is a TCIA Certified Treecare Safety Professional (CTSP).

Nicole ‘Carni’ Benjamin, 2 Dog Crew

Tie in twice when cutting aloft… this is often where we utilize our lanyard. But this required piece of gear is so much more. Join us for a fun dive into the many different types & uses of our lanyard (aka flip line).

Biography

Benjamin, Nicole – 2 Dog Crew, LLC
Nicole ‘carni’ is an ISA Certified Arborist, and primarily a production arborist. She was lucky enough to get started in the industry with Heartwood Tree Service, setting her up for steep learning curve and experiences in a broad range of production tree work. In 2018, she and her husband started their company 2 Dog Crew, LLC; working on various projects ranging from line clearance and utility, to residential removals & pruning, municipal projects, helicopter removals, even zipline and treehouse builds. Throughout her career she has been the groundie, (contract) climber, crew leader, general foreman, owner, chief safety officer, trainer, and the list continues. Despite those roles not always getting along, she’s found necessity and respect are deserved for all of them. She currently lives “on the road” with her husband, daughter and doggo. They often travel around the continental USA to attend tree climbing competitions, conferences, visit and work with friends, assist with the Burke Outdoor Canopy Class, the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop, Academy Trained and other arbor related trainings and workshops. Her favorite tree changes regularly, but she is always grateful for the Charlotte, NC’s massive Willow Oaks – Quercus phellos, and Tulip Poplars – Liriodendron tulipifera.

Mark Chisholm, Aspen Tree Company

Derrick Martin, Independent Trainer

This will go over the three main techniques of tying in Single Rope Technique (SRT) Basal anchor systems, canopy anchor systems, and Canobase anchor systems. Doing a compare and contrast of each system going over positives and negatives of each.

Biography

Martin, Derrick – Independent Trainer
Derrick is a contract climber in Central Pennsylvania. He has been in the industry for over 20 years and is a brand ambassador for Notch equipment and Aspen fuel. He’s a competition climber, having won the Penn-Del Tree Climbing competition four times.

Andy Jones, CTSP, Rooted Arborcare

Explore the unique challenges involved in removing a tree that has grown through or within a deck structure. We’ll discuss key considerations such as structural constraints, access limitations, and safety protocols.

Biography

Jones, Andy, CTSP – Rooted Arborcare
Andy Jones is a Founder and Owner of Rooted Arbor Care in O’Fallon, MO. He is an ISA Certified Arborist, Certified Tree Care Safety Professional (CTSP), and is a regular contributor to TCI Magazine. Andy is a climber and gear enthusiast who is passionate about finding innovative ways to safely and efficiently work in the canopy. Andy has previous experience in logistics, aerial rigging, industrial safety, and first aid/emergency response, and uses this experience to help propel the industry of arboriculture to new heights. Andy’s goal is to help develop and demonstrate simple solutions for increasingly dynamic problems.