Sydney Hudzinski is set to compete in the International Tree Climbing Competition.
Few people can practice hobbies as part of their job, but for City of Plymouth employee Sydney Hudzinski, passion and profession are one and the same.
Hudzinski, a parks maintenance worker, uses her specialized tree climbing skills to care for Plymouth’s trees far off the ground—a place she feels uniquely comfortable. “I love being at the top of a tree—it’s so peaceful and calming. It’s just awesome,” she says.
Hudzinski became a full-time employee in 2023 and has additional experience in part-time seasonal positions for the city. Although her skills have increased due to her work and practicing on her own several times a week, she is also a member of professional tree climbing groups, works as an instructor at the Women’s Tree Climbing Workshop and participates in competitions. “I can’t walk in the woods anymore without seeing trees to climb or care for,” she says.
In May, Hudzinski placed first in the women’s category of the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture’s 2024 Tree Climbing Championship. This earned her a spot in the International Society of Arboriculture’s International Tree Climbing Competition, which takes place October 24–27 in Savannah, Georgia. Events include aerial rescue, work climb, ascent and throwline.
Hudzinski says she has observed more people interested in caring for their trees, which has also led to more interest in professional tree climbing. She cautions that the hobby isn’t one to take lightly. “There’s a lot that goes into climbing trees if you want to do it safely and professionally,” she says. “Climbs can last upwards of six-eight hours and involve a lot of gear, such as ropes, friction devices and carabiners.”
Professional tree climbing groups are proliferating globally, forming a more robust network of arborists, competitions and local chapters. Learn more at the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture website, msa-live.org.