July 31 (UPI) -- Tree-climbers from around the world tested their skills over the weekend at the International Tree Climbing Championship, at the U.S. National Arboretum in Washington, D.C.
The event featured 67 competitors from 18 different countries -- the majority arborists and professional tree climbers who'd come to demonstrate their skills.
The championship comprised of five events, each showcasing a different skill that professional arborists use when taking care of trees. For example, one event focused on speed, while another tested aerial rescue skills.
The event also included the Arbor Fair -- which featured tree industry vendors, music, and education about professional climbing.
"Arborists are especially important in an urban environment," said Sonia Garth, PR manager for the International Society of Arboriculture. "They [trees] need help when they're mixing with people and buildings and concrete. It's not their natural state."
Chrissy Spence, 37, traveled all the way from New Zealand to compete in the championship.
"I travel around the world climbing trees for different companies and doing competitions," she said.
Like many of those at the competition, Spence works as a professional tree climber, although she said she would climb trees whether she was paid for it or not.
"It keeps you fit and you don't have to go to the gym," Spence said, laughing. "My office is at the top of the trees every day. No cell phones, no computers."
