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Course Details
Course Name: Large Tree Climbing and Rigging
Course Code: AL0802CA26
Date: November 12 & 13, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm (Check-in time: 8:30 am)
Location: Bioresource Engineering Laboratory (formerly ECC), 18 Ag Extension Way, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 (Directions & Map)
Format: Classroom course with field demonstrations
Registration Fee: $475 per person
Early Bird Discount Fee: $450 per person (expires November 5, 2025)
Registration Closes: November 10, 2025
Paying with a check, money order, or purchase order?
Payments should be made out to: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
Checks and money orders should be mailed to: Office of Continuing Professional Education, Attn: Registration Dept., 102 Ryders Ln, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8519
Purchase Orders can be mailed to the address above or electronically sent to registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.
Course Overview
In this two-day class, Licensed Tree Expert Steve Chisholm and his brother, Mark Chisholm, a three-time World Tree Climbing Champion and 19-time New Jersey State Tree Climbing Champion, will combine classroom lectures with field demonstrations of climbing and rigging. You’ll learn techniques and tips to increase your productivity while maintaining the high level of safety that makes a great arborist.
NOTE: You will not climb trees in this class. You will watch, learn, and have the opportunity to consult with two world-class experts in their field.
Who Should Attend?
This class is a great source of information for anyone who wants to learn how to safely climb trees. Past participants have included:
- Arborists
- Landscape Professionals
- Licensed Tree Experts and Tree Care Operators (LTE/LTCO)
- Parks Supervisors and Grounds Crew
- Public Works Supervisors and Crew
- Shade Tree Commissioners
- Tree Climbers
- Tree/Plant Care Nursery Professionals
Photo Slideshow
Catch a glimpse into the field demonstration portions of the Large Tree Climbing and Rigging course to see how the course is taught and what types of skills are covered.
Meet Your Instructors
Mark Chisholm, Aspen Tree Expert Co.
Three-time World Champion and 19-time New Jersey State Tree Climbing Champion joins his brother Steve to guide you through this comprehensive two-day course. Read more about Mark Chisholm in our article, Tree Climbing Champion with Rutgers Roots Comes Full Circle!
Steve Chisholm, Aspen Tree Expert Co.
Steve Chisholm is the President of Aspen Tree Expert Co., Inc., a New Jersey Licensed Tree Expert, and ISA Certified Arborist. He is ready to share his top-rated wealth of knowledge and years of arboriculture experience with you in this course.
Student Reviews
“This class was great! I’m afraid to say that I learned of all the things I’ve been doing wrong. Thanks to this class, I will be safer, more efficient, and quicker. This is one of the best classes I have ever taken, well worth the 6 hour drive! Thank you!”
– Past Participant
“Both Steve and Mark are very knowledgeable in their area and easy to listen to and understand. They go over everything you want.”
– Past Participant
“Very informational in all areas of taking down tree, rigging, and equipment to use.”
– Past Participant
Continuing Education Credits
The Large Tree Climbing and Rigging course (12 contact hours) is approved for the following credits from professional organizations.
New Jersey
NJ Certified Public Works Managers (CPWM): 6 Technical Contact Hours
NJ Licensed Tree Experts (LTE/LTCO): Pending
NJ Urban and Community Forestry (NJUCF): 12 CEUs
Meals
No breakfast will be provided. Lunch will be available for pre-registered attendees only.
NOTE: If you have any dietary restrictions or food allergies, please alert us at least two (2) weeks in advance of the course start date so that we can make reasonable accommodations. We cannot guarantee accommodations for special requests made after that time.
Course Requirements and Policies
COVID-19 Policies for Face-to-Face Classes
Please visit our policies page for the latest information.
Pre-registration/Walk-Ins
Pre-registration is required. We’re sorry, but we cannot guarantee a seat, materials, or meals for walk-in registrants.
Location Changes
Location is subject to change; registrants will be notified in the event of a change.
Campus Parking Policy
All visitors must register their vehicles ONLINE to park on campus. Please follow the guidelines below. Failure to comply with these policies may result in a citation.
- A link to register your vehicle will be provided in your course confirmation email. Please be sure to complete this important step prior to traveling to campus.
- When you park on campus, be sure that your license plate is unobstructed and visible from the driving aisle.
- All Rutgers faculty/staff/students must use their regular Rutgers permit and park in the nearest lot assigned for their permit type.
Email Requirement
A unique email address is required for each registrant to register and access our courses.
- If this is your first time registering with us, please provide your own unique email address when registering; do not provide an email address that you share with co-workers.
- If you have previously taken classes with us and have used an email address that you share with your co-workers or supervisor, your account must be updated with a unique email address. To do this, please send an email to us at registration@njaes.rutgers.edu stating that your email address needs to be changed and include:
- Your full name
- The shared email address that needs to be changed
- Your unique email address
- A phone number where you can be reached if we have any questions
Cancellations and Substitutions
A $35 cancellation fee applies for this course. Substitutions are permitted. View our cancellation policy.
Attention U.S. Veterans
This course is approved by the New Jersey State Approving Agency for Veterans Training for educational benefits through the GI Bill®. Learn more.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.
Program Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you have any questions about Large Tree Climbing and Rigging, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Program Coordinator: Joe Canzano
848-932-7317
joe.canzano@rutgers.edu
Administrative Assistant: Damiana Parada
848-932-7107
damiana.parada@rutgers.edu
For registration assistance, please contact our Registration Department at 848-932-9271, option 2 or email registration@njaes.rutgers.edu.
