20 | September/October 2015
D
avey offices united to compete and
volunteer in the International Society
of Arboriculture (ISA) Minnesota Chapter's
Tree Climbing Championship at St. Louis Park.
Overall, 48 tree climbers entered the com-
petition, including 11 participants from various
Davey offices—North Minneapolis R/C, South
Minneapolis R/C, Maier Tree and S&S Tree.
Mike Dye, assistant district manager at
S&S Tree, and Tyler Hesseltine, sales arborist
at the South Minneapolis R/C office, led the
Davey team as they both finished in the top 15
competitors.
"Very few industries come together on the
weekend to do what they do during the week,"
Dye says. "It shows how passionate we are
about trees in and out of the office."
The competition tests individuals' minds
and bodies in five different events: aerial rescue,
belayed speed climb, secure foot-lock, work
climb and a throw-line competition. Partici-
pants are tested on time and safety but may
receive style points if competitors go above
and beyond.
Jacob Ryg, foreman at S&S Tree, led a team
of judges who scored competitors based on
the championship's 44-page rule book. In the
end, the judges add up all points and extra style
points from the five events.
"It's a very social event, allowing competitors
the opportunity to come together and celebrate
trees," Ryg says. "Also, to determine who the
best tree climber is."
Davey employees who volunteered and
participated in the International Society of
Arboriculture (ISA) Minnesota Chapter Tree
Climbing Championship, pictured from left
to right and from back row to front: Nick
Cox, Christian Feichtinger, Tyler Hesseltine,
Dylan Hogan, Jake Slattery, Lance Carlson,
Jacob Ryg, Mike Dye, Taylor Kunkel,
Brandon Williams, Wesley Full, Patrick Kelly,
Emily Mumford, Rob Blyton.
The Ultimate
Tree Climbing Test
Idea submitted by: Mike Dye, assistant district manager, S&S Tree
Trimmer Trainee Jake
Slattery competes in the
work climb part of the
competition.
