THE reigning world tree climbing champion is hoping a visit to Wangaratta can help him climb to the top again next weekend in New Mexico.

Local arborist service Arboressence has established a mentoring program for its team which includes visits from “celebrities” in the trade to work and train with local crews.

Melbourne-based arborist Barton Allen-Hall was in Wangaratta last week to help the Arboresscence team through some of the latest tree climbing techniques while also trim the heritage listed Wareena Park pine trees.

After being named a five-time national champion in tree climbing and coming second multiple times at the International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC), Mr Allen-Hall had a breakthrough win in Copenhagen to claim his first world championship last year.

The ITCC simulates working conditions of arborists in the field through five different preliminary round events, including an aerial rescue and speed climbs, to qualify for the Masters Challenge, which ultimately decides the world champion.

Mr Allen-Hall, who began competing in state tree climbing events in 2011, loves the competition.

“Even though it’s a fun job, every job can get a little bit stale, but knowing you’re going to be testing your skills against other people who are trying to be as good a tree climber as they can be and having your skills compared against them gives you an extra bit of excitement to work,” he said.

The 38-year-old is off to Alberbeque, New Mexico, to defend his title next weekend from August 11 to 13.

Mr Allen-Hall said staying in good shape and perfecting his climbing techniques is the key to his preparation.

“Albuquerque is currently around 37 degrees [in temperature] and has about the same altitude as Mt Hotham, so it’s going to be a bit of a shock to the system,” he said.

“This year in particular I’m trying to get as fit as possible, usually fitness is an element but not a large element you need to focus on in my opinion, but I think it will play a bigger part this year.

“Climbing trees at work helps but if you want to win a world championship you have to do a lot of training outside of work.

“There is a huge amount of opportunity to make mistakes...if you make one little mistake that could be your competition done and dusted."