Remember climbing trees as a child? Well, these athletes take it to a different level!
About twenty-five tree care professionals from across New York State will demonstrate speed, skill, and excellence on June 24 when they compete in the New York State Tree Climbing Championship at Washington Park in Albany, NY. The competitors work for various tree care companies across the State will compete in events designed to show off their skill including Work Climb, Speed Climb, Aerial Rescue, Throwline and the Ascent Event.
The top competitors go on to compete in the Master’s Challenge. The winner of that event will be named New York State Champion and will represent New York State at the ISA International Tree Climbing Championship. Last year’s winner, Pedro Meza of White Plains, NY, will return to defend his title.
When asked about winning the 2022 NYSA Tree Climbing Championship, Meza replied, “It was a big goal for me, especially given the tremendous competition. Moving to the next level was a big opportunity for me to meet other competitors from different regions, to learn from their knowledge and a mix of techniques.”
Gear inspection will take place Friday, June 23, 3-7 p.m. The Tree Climbing Championship will be held Saturday, June 24 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m in Washington Park near the Englewood Place entrance in Albany, NY. (The rain date will be the following day.) The competition is sponsored by the New York State Arborists (NYSA).
“By hosting the event in Washington Park, we hope to inspire young people to consider working in the tree care industry. There are a number of great opportunities to learn and grow in this business,” said John Wickes, NYSA president. “We also hope to emphasize the importance of safety when doing this work. It’s important to have a trained professional who can deliver reliable results.”
“Since winning last year, my company has asked me to be a trainer,” said Pedro Meza. “Not only does it open new opportunities for me, but I now get to welcome new climbers into the business.”
The New York State Arborists, International Society of Arboriculture Chapter, Inc. is an association of professional arborists and educators that promotes public interest, fosters research and education in the care and benefits of trees, shrubs, and their environment.
For interviews, contact the NYSA Executive Secretary Michael Thompson via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 518-694-5507.
LOCATION
TCC EVENTS will take place in Washington Park near the entrance at 7 Englewood Place, Albany.
PARKING will be available nearby at the Thurlow Terrace lot, managed by the University at Albany near 96 Western Avenue, Albany. This is only one block over from the event.
SCHEDULE
Friday, June 23
8:00 am - 12:00 noon Crane workshop (Location: Department of General Services building, One Richard Connors Blvd, Albany, NY)
1:00 - 4:00 pm Advanced Gear Check workshop (Location: near the Englewood entrance. If raining, it will be moved to the Lakehouse nearby.)
3:00 - 7:00 pm IMPORTANT! GEAR INSPECTION (Location: near the Englewood entrance.)
Saturday, June 24
6:30 - 7:30 am Check-in at the Registration Table near the Englewood entrance.
7:30 am IMPORTANT! PRE-EVENT BRIEFINGS
8:00 - 9:00 am START! Competitors will be briefed at each event.
Sunday, June 25
In the event of rain, we will follow the Saturday schedule on Sunday. At this time, there are predictions of chance rain on Saturday. We will still meet that morning to make final decisions about Saturday's schedule.
